Liverpool has been exceptionally active in the transfer market this summer, significantly bolstering their squad as they embark on the 2024-25 Premier League season under the new leadership of Arne Slot. The club has reportedly made several high-profile acquisitions, including Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, a move said to be the most expensive in Liverpool`s history. Furthermore, reports suggest the Reds are in discussions to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle, contingent on the potential sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich for approximately €75 million. Liverpool, a global football powerhouse, is owned by Fenway Sports Group Holdings, LLC (FSG), an American multinational sports holding conglomerate that also holds stakes in the Boston Red Sox and the NHL`s Pittsburgh Penguins, among other teams. Since acquiring Liverpool in 2010, FSG has been instrumental in guiding the club back to its former glory, both domestically and in European competitions. Let`s delve into the five most expensive signings during the FSG era.
5. Alisson – €75.5 million
The Brazilian goalkeeper joined Liverpool from AS Roma in the summer of 2018 for €75.5 million, setting a new club record for a goalkeeper at the time. While many initially questioned the hefty price tag for a goalkeeper, Alisson quickly silenced critics, proving to be one of the Premier League`s most astute signings. He became an indispensable figure under Jurgen Klopp, playing a crucial role in shaping Liverpool`s success over the past decade.
4. Virgil van Dijk – €84.5 million
Just months before Alisson`s arrival, Liverpool invested €84.5 million in Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk, signing him from Southampton in December 2017. This transfer made him the most expensive defender in football history at that point. Van Dijk swiftly established himself as one of Liverpool`s greatest players and was later named club captain by Jurgen Klopp. Currently, his transfer fee ranks fourth among defenders, behind Josko Gvardiol (€90 million to Manchester City), Harry Maguire (€87 million to Manchester United), and Matthijs de Ligt (€85 million to Juventus).
3. Darwin Nunez – €85 million
Uruguayan forward Darwin Nunez moved to Liverpool from Benfica in the summer of 2022 for what was then a club-record fee of €85 million. He has scored 40 goals in 143 appearances for the club over the past two seasons. However, his future at the club is reportedly uncertain, with rumors of a potential departure as Slot begins to shape his new squad.
2. Hugo Ekitike – €95 million
According to reports cited in the original article, French striker Hugo Ekitike is another recent significant acquisition for Arne Slot`s side, joining from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer for €95 million. The 23-year-old recorded 26 goals and 14 assists in 64 matches for Frankfurt. Last season in the Bundesliga, he ranked second for expected goals with 21.62. Considered a signing for Liverpool`s future, Ekitike fits Slot`s pressing philosophy and can adapt to both 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 formations. His primary area for improvement in the Premier League will be his goal contribution and conversion rate, despite scoring 15 goals in 33 Bundesliga matches last season for Eintracht, marking his most prolific career season to date.
1. Florian Wirtz – €125 million
This transfer is highlighted in the original article as perhaps Liverpool`s most impactful signing of the summer, irrespective of any potential deal for Isak. Wirtz is lauded as a generational talent and one of Europe`s most promising attacking midfielders, having already showcased immense potential at Bayer Leverkusen over recent years. However, this record-breaking €125 million transfer, presented as the most expensive in the English team`s history, places significant pressure on him to justify the massive fee on the global stage.
