Liverpool's summer transfer window has concluded with a net spend of just under £200m, including the January confirmation of Jeremy Jacquet. The club invested £217.5m in new signings, bringing in Victor Munoz, Ronald Araujo on loan, and Bradley Barcola.
Despite these additions, questions are being raised about the squad's depth, particularly in defence, and the lack of an out-and-out defensive midfielder. Manager Andoni Iraola had expressed comfort with his squad by the start of September, but the team conceded twice in each of their first two Premier League games.
The departure of senior figures like Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate on free transfers, along with Curtis Jones moving to Inter Milan for £30m, has reshaped the squad. Liverpool also rejected an £80m bid from Manchester City for Cody Gakpo, stating they could not secure a replacement.
Bradley Barcola, a 24-year-old French forward, was the second most expensive signing of the summer at £123m. He is expected to make his first appearance for the Reds on Friday when they face Ipswich.
Injuries to Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley have impacted defensive options, leading to the loan signing of Ronald Araujo from Barcelona. While Liverpool views young centre-backs like Leoni and Jacquet as promising, the immediate defensive solidity remains a point of concern.