In the left-back position, the signing of Kerkhove was also to prepare him as Robertson’s successor. Liverpool has long been inclined to keep Robertson—given he still has one year left on his contract—while letting Tsimikas leave, as retaining three first-team left-backs would be of little significance. However, the club respected Robertson’s wish to take time to consider his options.
Both Atlético Madrid and AC Milan showed interest in him, but to Slot’s delight, Robertson chose to stay and was subsequently appointed the club’s new vice-captain. Tsimikas eventually joined Roma on a one-season loan deal, with Roma covering the full salary and no buyout clause included.
Jarell Quansah, who had been frustrated by the lack of playing time last season, was eager to get more game time. After the U21 European Championship, his wish was fulfilled as he transferred to Leverkusen for £35 million. Around the same time, another centre-back also left the club: Nat Phillips joined West Bromwich Albion for a £3 million transfer fee.
In the search for new defensive signings, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi was seen as a market opportunity due to his upcoming contract expiration. However, the club’s top priority was a young centre-back, viewed more as a long-term project—having previously shown interest in Hjulmand, Yoro, and Colwill.
Following the tragic news of Jota’s passing on July 3rd, all clubs maintained a respectful distance. Everyone associated with Liverpool mourned the loss of a beloved colleague and friend, and transfer activities were put on hold.
It was not until the middle of the month that transfer negotiations resumed. Liverpool made its first approach to Newcastle, expressing a willingness to pay around £120 million to sign Isak, but the offer was rejected as Newcastle insisted the Swedish striker would not leave.
Shortly after, Liverpool quickly signed Ekitike—who had been a target for Newcastle—from Eintracht Frankfurt, with an initial transfer fee of £69 million, potentially rising to £79 million. Some viewed this as a reflexive response to Newcastle blocking their pursuit of Isak.
In fact, Liverpool wanted both Ekitike and Isak. Hughes had been in contact with Ekitike’s team since January, while Slot held talks with the player in May.
Liverpool internally was not concerned about Newcastle’s stance, as they knew Ekitike was more inclined to move to Anfield. Manchester United had also shown interest in him.
Ekitike scored 15 goals in the 2024-25 Bundesliga season, 6.6 goals below his expected goals (xG). Nevertheless, the underlying data provided by Director of Research Will Spearman convinced Liverpool to take the risk. The data showed that only Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé had demonstrated greater potential among players of the same age.
Although Ekitike had previously underperformed at PSG, Liverpool’s senior management drew parallels between his experience and Coutinho’s time at Inter Milan, as well as Gravenberch’s unhappy spell at Bayern Munich—believing Slot could help elevate his level.
Ekitike met his new teammates for the first time in Hong Kong during the club’s Asia Tour. This trip was significant: after reaching a £65.5 million transfer agreement with Bayern, Luis Díaz bid farewell to Liverpool during the Japan leg of the tour.
The popular Colombian player had just come off his best season with the club, contributing 17 goals across all competitions. However, he had only two years left on his contract and had rejected the club’s contract extension offers twice.
As Liverpool was unwilling to grant the salary increase he desired, Díaz was eager to transfer. To his credit, he did not miss a single training session before being given permission to fly to Munich.
With Cody Gakpo having signed a new contract, Liverpool never seriously considered signing a replacement for him.
Liverpool regards Ekitike as a versatile attacker, as he can play in the No.9 role, second striker, or left wing. The club also did not want to hinder the development of Nguemocha, who impressed during pre-season.
Shortly after the team returned to the UK, Liverpool made an £110 million offer for Isak, which was again rejected. Senior club sources denied reports that they were preparing a second bid—something some interpreted as the club giving up on their pursuit. In reality, Liverpool was just waiting for the right moment.
Speculation linking Liverpool to PSG’s Barcola or Real Madrid’s Rodrygo was inaccurate. There was no Plan B: it was either Isak or no new signing.
22-year-old midfielder Taylor Morton was sold to Lyon for £13 million; Ben Doak joined Bournemouth for £25 million with a buy-back clause included; and Núñez moved to Al-Hilal for £56.6 million
Elliott’s departure would only be approved once Isak’s signing was confirmed. In the final 24 hours before the transfer window closed, senior club figures still had some uncertainty about whether the Isak deal would go through.
However, as the striker refused to back down and Newcastle finally agreed to enter negotiations after securing a replacement, the prospects became increasingly optimistic.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish suddenly changed his mind at the last minute, blocking Guehi’s transfer. The two parties had previously agreed on a £35 million transfer fee, and Guehi had even undergone a medical examination.
Liverpool, though, was not angered by this—viewing Guehi’s potential arrival as a pleasant surprise rather than a necessity. The club hopes to sign him on a free transfer next summer.
The decision to keep Joe Gomez was confirmed after Milan and Brighton expressed interest in him. Crystal Palace had hoped to sign him on loan, but Liverpool was not prepared to let the club’s longest-serving player leave temporarily.
The past few months have been extremely busy, but now, those at Anfield believe this team can compete at the highest level both domestically and in Europe.
