Liverpool has been exceptionally active in the current summer transfer window, significantly bolstering their squad after securing the 2024-25 Premier League title in Arne Slot`s inaugural season. Among their notable acquisitions, Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen stands out as the most expensive in the club`s history. Reports also suggest the Reds are pursuing Alexander Isak from Newcastle, contingent on the potential sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich for approximately €75 million. Owned by Fenway Sports Group (FSG) since 2010 – an American multinational sports conglomerate also owning the Boston Red Sox and the NHL`s Pittsburgh Penguins – Liverpool has experienced a resurgence under their stewardship, achieving success both domestically and in European competitions. This article delves into the five costliest signings of the FSG era.
All transfer fees are provided in Euros, sourced from Transfermarkt.com.
5. Alisson – €75.5 million
The Brazilian goalkeeper arrived from AS Roma in summer 2018 for €75.5 million, initially making him the most expensive goalkeeper in the club`s history. While his transfer fee drew criticism at the time, Alisson swiftly proved his worth, becoming a cornerstone of Jürgen Klopp`s Liverpool side and a pivotal figure in their successful era, widely regarded as one of the Premier League`s finest acquisitions.
4. Virgil van Dijk – €84.5 million
Just months before Alisson`s arrival, Liverpool secured Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk from Southampton in December 2017 for €84.5 million. This transfer briefly made him the most expensive defender globally. Van Dijk quickly established himself as a club legend and was later appointed captain by Jürgen Klopp. Currently, his transfer fee ranks as the fourth highest for a defender, surpassed only by Joško Gvardiol`s move to Manchester City (€90 million), Harry Maguire`s to Manchester United (€87 million), and Matthijs de Ligt`s to Juventus (€85 million).
3. Darwin Nunez – €85 million
Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez joined Liverpool from Benfica in the summer of 2022 for what was then a club-record fee, immediately becoming a key player under Jürgen Klopp and scoring 40 goals in 143 matches over three seasons. However, with the arrival of Arne Slot this summer, reports suggest his role and performance levels may be under review, leading to speculation about his future as the Reds continue their transfer dealings.
2. Hugo Ekitike – €95 million
French striker Hugo Ekitike is Liverpool`s second most expensive acquisition this summer, joining Arne Slot`s squad from Eintracht Frankfurt for €95 million. The 23-year-old showcased his potential at Frankfurt with 26 goals and 14 assists in 64 appearances, notably ranking second in the Bundesliga last season for expected goals (21.62). Ekitike is seen as a strategic signing for Liverpool`s future, aligning with Slot`s preference for a striker capable of fitting into his pressing system and adaptable to both 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 formations. His primary challenge in the Premier League will be to enhance his goal contribution and conversion rate, building on his career-best 15 goals in 33 Bundesliga matches last season.
1. Florian Wirtz – €125 million
Florian Wirtz stands as Liverpool`s most significant signing of the summer, irrespective of any further moves like the potential acquisition of Isak. Widely regarded as a generational talent and one of Europe`s most promising attacking midfielders, Wirtz has consistently demonstrated his immense potential at Bayer Leverkusen over recent years. His €125 million transfer fee makes him the most expensive player in Liverpool`s history, placing considerable pressure on him to justify the investment on the global stage.
