Liverpool have made some promising additions this summer, but their squad still looks short of the quality needed to compete on every front.
Liverpool spent close to £450 million last summer, but the investment failed to produce the desired results. Arne Slot has since departed, with Andoni Iraola taking charge ahead of the new campaign. That change alone underlines the scale of the reset at Anfield.
The Reds have strengthened their attack and added promising young players, yet their squad still has some obvious gaps. Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet look like sensible long-term investments, while Ronald Araujo’s impending loan arrival from Barcelona should provide valuable experience in defence. However, Liverpool’s business so far feels incomplete rather than convincing.
The biggest concern remains the wide areas
Liverpool did not properly replace Luis Diaz after his move to Bayern Munich last summer. Cody Gakpo can operate from the left flank, and Victor Munoz offers another option. However, neither fully answers the need for a proven, high-level winger who can make an immediate difference. Tottenham-linked Gakpo’s uncertain future only makes the situation more complicated.
Bradley Barcola would be an excellent solution. Liverpool have reportedly been working on a deal for weeks, and negotiations over a potential €128 million move are believed to be progressing. The Paris Saint-Germain winger brings pace, direct running, and the confidence to attack defenders one-versus-one.
More importantly, he has the experience to contribute straight away, having already played regularly at the highest level. The reported fee is enormous, but this is precisely the sort of signing Liverpool need after losing two important wide players in successive windows. They do not simply require another squad option on the left; they need a player capable of becoming one of the faces of the attack.
On the right wing, the need is just as clear. Mohamed Salah’s departure at the end of last season has removed Liverpool’s most reliable source of goals, creativity and decisive moments. Ibrahim Mbaye is an exciting possibility, but the 18-year-old would represent a long-term bet rather than a ready-made replacement.
He made 31 appearances for PSG last season, but only accumulated 1,242 minutes of game time, scoring three goals and supplying two assists. That profile is promising, yet expecting Mbaye to immediately carry the responsibility once held by Salah would be unfair. Liverpool should sign him if they believe he can develop into a major star, but they must also consider whether another, more experienced right-winger is needed for the present.
Araujo helps, but midfield remains unresolved
Ibrahim Konate’s move to Real Madrid in a Bosman move left Liverpool short of experience at centre-back. The arrival of Araujo should soften that blow, particularly because the Barcelona defender can offer strength, recovery pace and authority. With Jacquet already signed, the depth in that position looks healthier, at least for now.
Midfield, however, is less straightforward. The Reds need an all-rounder who can compete for the holding role while also supporting the attack. Curtis Jones’s future is uncertain amid his desire to join Inter Milan, and Liverpool cannot afford to enter a demanding season without more competition in the middle of the pitch.
While a versatile midfielder helps, a specialist defensive midfielder would allow Ryan Gravenberch to move into a more advanced role when required. Adam Wharton remains the most logical target. The Crystal Palace midfielder can control the tempo, progress the ball and play as a deep-lying organiser. Liverpool’s interest makes tactical sense, particularly if they want Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai or Alexis Mac Allister to operate higher up the pitch. But Palace’s reported asking price of around £100 million makes the deal difficult to justify.
If Liverpool refuse to break the bank, Trey Nyoni deserves serious consideration. The 19-year-old has impressed during pre-season, showing calmness in possession and the courage to play forward. Iraola has also praised his confidence and work without the ball.
Nyoni could become an important player, but relying on him as the main midfield solution would be a considerable gamble. Talent is not the same as experience, especially at a club expected to compete on several fronts.
Liverpool have made three useful additions, but their summer business has not yet addressed the most urgent problems. The Reds still need a first-choice right-winger, a top-quality left-winger and a central midfielder. Until those needs are met, Liverpool’s window should be judged as promising but unfinished. The foundations are there; the final pieces must now be added with greater urgency.
