Liverpool go big in summer market with bold recruitment plan | OneFootball

Liverpool Shift Transfer Gears with Wirtz and Kerkez Targets as Spending Strategy Evolves

Title secured, focus turns to future-proofing

Last summer’s quiet transfer window at Anfield now feels like an anomaly. With the Premier League title sealed under Arne Slot in his debut season, Liverpool are not basking in that triumph. They are accelerating. After years of being prudent, sometimes even to their detriment, Liverpool are now spending big, and the names associated with this summer’s strategy — Wirtz, Kerkez, Frimpong — point to a deeper shift in philosophy.

Slot’s comments after the title-clinching draw with Crystal Palace offered a telling contrast.

Special, yes, but not sustainable in the long term when rivals reload with each passing window. Slot added,

Hence the urgency. Liverpool are not spending for the sake of appearances. They are reinforcing a squad with deliberate precision.

Wirtz and Kerkez highlight shift in strategy

The signing of Jeremie Frimpong for £29.5 million was a clear upgrade in an area of emerging vulnerability. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure, though handled quietly, left a gap that needed an injection of energy and technical quality. Frimpong offers that and more.

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But it is the pursuit of Florian Wirtz, valued at a club-record £109 million, that truly underscores the scale of Liverpool’s intent. The German international is regarded by many as the next great playmaker of his generation. Manchester City were admirers, considering him a long-term heir to Kevin De Bruyne, but baulked at the price. Liverpool, unusually, are not flinching.

Photo by IMAGO

Then comes Milos Kerkez, the 21-year-old left-back from Bournemouth. Talks are advanced over a £45–50 million move, and though no agreement is yet in place, the interest is real and persistent. Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s sporting director, was the man who brought Kerkez to the South Coast from AZ Alkmaar in 2023. Familiarity breeds confidence in recruitment, and this move has the hallmarks of a well-scouted, system-aligned signing.

Photo: IMAGO

Kerkez himself hinted at a possible exit on Instagram:

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy is among those endorsing the move:

In statistical terms, Kerkez ranks among the top Premier League full-backs for sprints, crosses and distance covered. He’s productive and progressive — a typical Liverpool full-back, in other words.

Spending big but spending wisely

As football finance expert Kieran Maguire puts it,

That principle remains. The club may be spending around £180 million this summer already, but they are not abandoning their values. Wirtz, Kerkez, Frimpong — all players with resale value, growth potential, and clear roles within Slot’s tactical system.

The Club World Cup’s early transfer window opening has enabled Liverpool to act decisively. While some clubs are manoeuvring to meet Profit and Sustainability rules, Liverpool are prioritising early integration and optimal preparation. This is a club preparing for the long term, not just a summer headline.

Depth, development and the future of the squad

Other areas will still require attention. The left-back situation, particularly with Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas both in the squad, is likely to change. Champions League interest in Robertson cannot be ignored, and with Tsimikas expected to leave, Slot may start the season with a revamped left side entirely.

Centre-back is another area on the watchlist. With Ibrahima Konaté in the final year of his deal and no extension confirmed, there’s an argument for investing in a long-term successor. Dean Huijsen was of interest before Real Madrid moved quickly, so Liverpool’s radar is clearly active.

Photo IMAGO

A new striker is also possible, though likely dependent on outgoings. This is a more conditional situation, where sales may dictate signings — a familiar theme in the club’s more cautious recent past.

Photo: IMAGO

But what is most striking is how quickly and assuredly Liverpool are conducting their business. For Richard Hughes, this is his first proper window after joining last March. Last year was about transitioning from the Klopp era. Now, it is about defining the Slot era. And early indicators suggest that the recruitment team, alongside data analysts, scouts and the manager himself, is working in rare alignment.