The transfer window has now slammed shut, and Liverpool have brought in a couple of quality additions to improve their squad this summer.
While there is no doubt that Liverpool have improved the squad this summer, one has to wonder if it is another missed opportunity for the Reds as they failed to address some of their major weaknesses.
With that said, they have ensured some exciting loan deals for their young players where they will be able to develop with ample first-team action. Here at The Hard Tackle, we run the rule over their transfer business this summer.
Ins and outs
Ins: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Federico Chiesa
Outs: Fabio Carvalho, Sepp van den Berg
Free Transfers Out: Adrian, Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara
Loaned Out: Stefan Bajcetic, Calvin Ramsay, Ben Doak, Nat Phillips, Rhys Williams, Marcelo Pitaluga
Marquee Signing
Giorgi Mamardashvili
Liverpool signed the 23-year-old goalkeeper from Valencia for a fee of around €30 million. He is expected to be the long-term replacement for club legend Alisson Becker. The Brazilian goalkeeper was heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia this summer, but he chose to continue in the Premier League.
It seems that Liverpool are planning ahead for Alisson’s departure, and Mamardashvili will join up with the Merseyside club next season. The player was loaned straight back to Valencia once the agreement was finalised.
The Georgian international has proven himself to be a quality goalkeeper in La Liga, and he has the ability to thrive in the Premier League as well. Mamardashvili will look to establish himself as a key player for the club in the coming seasons.
Value for Money Signing
Federico Chiesa
Liverpool paid €12 million to sign the Italian international winger during the summer transfer window. The 26-year-old has proven himself to be a terrific performer for club and country over the years, and he should prove to be an exceptional acquisition for the Reds as well.
Liverpool needed to add more quality and cutting edge in the final third, and the 26-year-old is capable of operating anywhere across the front three. He was regarded as one of the best attackers in European football when he helped Italy win the European Championships in 2021. Signing him for €12 million represents an excellent investment, and he could prove to be a major bargain if he manages to get over his injury problems.
Inevitable Departure
Fabio Carvalho
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder needed a fresh start this summer, and he will be delighted to have secured an exit from Liverpool. He was on loan at Hull City in the Championship last season, and he struggled for game time under previous manager Jurgen Klopp as well. The player was clearly not a part of Arne Slot’s plans either and Liverpool Liverpool needed to sell him this summer.
The player has joined Brentford for a fee of around €23.4 million, and he should prove to be a quality long-term investment for them. He has shown his quality in English football with Fulham, prior to his move to Liverpool and he could establish himself as a key player for the Bees.
They needed more creativity and cutting edge in the final third, and the 21-year-old is capable of operating as the central attacking midfielder as well as a winger. He will add goals and creativity to the side. Regular football in the Premier League will help him fulfil his tremendous potential as well.
The Big Miss
Martin Zubimendi
Liverpool were desperate to sign the Real Sociedad midfielder this summer, but they failed to secure an agreement in the end. The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the best midfielders in La Liga, and Liverpool needed to sign him. They were willing to pay his release clause as well, but the player chose to remain with his boyhood club and snub move to the Premier League.
Liverpool need someone who can help out defensively and control the tempo of the game from the deep. He would have been the ideal replacement for his compatriot Thiago Alcantara. Liverpool will certainly be disappointed to miss out on a player of his quality.
Verdict – 4/10
Liverpool came into the window needing a quality central defender and a reliable defensive midfielder as their priority signings. However, they have failed to strengthen both positions, and it will be an underwhelming window for the club. They have failed to address their major weaknesses, and it remains to be seen whether they can have a successful season without the right additions.
While there is no doubt that Mamardashvili could be a quality addition in the long term, and Chiesa might prove to be a bargain for them, they have left themselves short as they look to compete with the elite clubs.
