Liverpool
Liverpool’s 2025/26 pre-season review: Goals galore but defensive worries mount
Last Updated on 25 August 2025
Liverpool have stunned the football world this summer, spending big and reshaping their squad in a way rarely seen at Anfield.
The Reds shattered the British transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a £125 million deal. They also added Hugo Ekitike to bolster the attack, while strengthening the flanks with the arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.
It hasn’t just been about spending. Liverpool have excelled in player sales too. The club have raised close to €200 million in transfer fees, with Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez leaving for significant sums. Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tyler Morton, and Nat Phillips have also departed, adding to the cash inflow.
| IN | OUT |
|---|---|
| Florian Wirtz | Luis Diaz |
| Hugo Ekitike | Darwin Nunez |
| Milos Kerkez | Jarell Quansah |
| Jeremie Frimpong | Ben Doak |
| Giovanni Leoni | Caoimhin Kelleher |
| Armin Pecsi | Trent Alexander-Arnold |
| Tyler Morton | |
| Nat Phillips |
Total Income: €219.50m
Net Spend: -€120.18m
Liverpool Eye Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi
The transfer business is far from over. Alexander Isak remains a top target, but Newcastle United are reluctant to sell.
The Swedish striker’s own actions, however, have reportedly increased pressure on the Magpies.
If Liverpool manage to secure Isak, they would break the transfer record for the second time this summer.
A new centre-back is also a priority. Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace is high on the shortlist, though Liverpool must decide whether to pay up now or wait to sign him on a free next year.
Pre-Season Review: Mixed Signs for Arne Slot’s Side
Liverpool’s pre-season featured six matches, with five wins and one defeat:
- 3-1 vs Preston – Strong start with clinical finishing
- 5-0 vs Stoke City – Total dominance
- 2-4 vs AC Milan – First real setback against elite opposition
- 3-1 vs Yokohama FM – Comfortable display in Japan
- Athletic Bilbao double-win – Wins for both youth and senior sides
- Community Shield vs Crystal Palace – 2-2 draw, lost on penalties
In the Community Shield, new signings Ekitike and Frimpong both scored, but Palace hit back twice before winning the shootout.
While attack looks lively, the defence has shown vulnerability compared to last season.
Do Liverpool Need More Signings Before Deadline Day?
With only Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as the only reliable centre-backs and an injury prone Joe Gomez the only backup, defensive reinforcements are crucial.
Securing Isak would be a huge boost, but without strengthening the back line, Liverpool could face problems once the season gets underway.
It remains to be seen whether the Reds push to sign Guehi before the transfer window shuts.
Bottom line: Liverpool’s summer has been bold and expensive, but their transfer window may not be over yet. The final weeks could define whether they are truly ready to challenge for major honours again.
