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Liverpool’s 2025 summer transfers will be remembered for many years to come as a whirlwind window, one that FSG seemingly unshackled itself of the usual constraints, flexed its muscles and showed that the Reds are among the biggest on the planet.
Few could have seriously predicted a summer spend of just under $400 million, or around £300M. The arrivals of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike are statement signings on the back of such a convincing title win - and they could still be eclipsed by Alexander Isak’s potential deal. Should Newcastle United’s stance soften, then Liverpool is likely to make its move despite already landing a new No. 9.
But for all the hype, the squad remains light in two key departments. Center-back is the most obvious given Trey Nyoni, Andy Robertson and Wataru Endo all started at the heart of defense during Monday’s double header against Athletic Bilbao.
Arne Slot’s resources in the wide areas should also raise a few eyebrows. Luis Diaz’s departure and the expected exit of Federico Chiesa leaves the Reds with just two recognized senior wingers in Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.
Rio Ngumoha is expected to play a bigger part at first-team level this term, although Slot will be wary of placing too much onus on a 16-year-old’s shoulders. Ben Doak could also be an option, but is open to leaving this summer, while Frimpong, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ekitike can all be utilized out wide.
But it’s still an area of concern for the Reds. Rodrygo has been mentioned as a possible solution, Anthony Gordon’s name has again cropped up in media whispers, and Malick Fofana was briefly flavor of the month.
On Wednesday, with less than four weeks of the window left, another name emerged. Bradley Barcola will need no introduction to Liverpool supporters. The 22-year-old played in every single Paris Saint-Germain Champions League game en route to winning the competition last season, including the last-16 matches against Liverpool, and provided 21 goals and 21 assists in all competitions.
They’re staggering numbers, so reports in L’Equipe that the Reds are considering a move for PSG star, while not ruling out a move for Isak too, will have been well received on Merseyside.
Transfer reporter Sacha Tavoleieri has since claimed Liverpool is planning a “concrete offer” and wrote on X that any transfer would be north of €100M ($117M/£87M).
Should it happen, it’s a deal that would make sense for Liverpool given its lack of options in the wide areas, while Barcola would fit into the age range and talent required to pique FSG’s interest. That he has fallen out of Luis Enrique’s first-choice XI is another factor worth considering.
On the surface, it seems more practical to add a winger above a striker - although that stance could shift if Darwin Nunez leaves in the next few days.
A common question over recent weeks has been how Liverpool can afford such a lavish outlay this window. Those in the know on the complex topics of PSR, SCR, and FFP have repeatedly insisted Liverpool’s finances are so healthy that concluding a deal for Isak remains possible.
The bigger question, perhaps, is whether Isak, Barcola, and a center-back—let’s say Marc Guehi—could be acquired in the coming weeks while Liverpool remains within the financial regulations.
If so, that really would be a summer for the ages!
For now, it seems a bizarre verdict on a title-winning squad that has strengthened to such an extent in the market, but Slot’s group does still feel a little light in certain areas.
Barcola would undeniably help and provide FSG with another statement signing.
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