Liverpool's transfer window has concluded with significant investment, exceeding £200 million, yet questions remain regarding squad depth and defensive solidity. Despite the influx of new players, the team has conceded twice in each of its first two league matches, highlighting potential issues at the back.
Injuries have already impacted the defense, with Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley sidelined long-term. To address this, Liverpool secured a loan for Barcelona's Araujo, with an option to buy for £47 million next summer. Araujo, 27, is considered a temporary solution, especially with Virgil van Dijk's contract expiring next summer. Internally, Liverpool views 19-year-old Leoni and 21-year-old Jacquet as promising young center-backs, bolstered by talents like Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who impressed in preseason.
The club also acquired 18-year-old goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans from Genk in a deal that could reach £30 million. Brughmans, who drew interest from Bayern Munich, is seen as a future prospect. With Alisson's contract also expiring next summer and Giorgi Mamardashvil's performance not yet meeting expectations, Brughmans could be a long-term option.
At left-back, Milos Kerkez has had a slow start to the season, but there is hope for improvement under manager Iraola, with whom he previously worked at Bournemouth. On the right side, Jeremie Frimpong has struggled to impress, and Liverpool reportedly failed to secure Malo Gusto on loan from Chelsea on deadline day. While the club is willing to wait for Bradley's return from a knee injury, the right-back position remains a concern, though Araujo and Dominik Szoboszlai could also fill in there.
In midfield, manager Iraola suggested that personnel was not the issue during recent counter-attack concessions. However, former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has stated that the team has needed a defensive midfielder for three years, pointing to a gap since Fabinho's departure in 2023. Despite this, senior club figures appear content with the current midfield options. Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have signed new long-term deals, and Alexis Mac Allister, who attracted interest from Manchester City, is staying. Wataru Endo and 19-year-old Trey Nyoni are also available.
Any permanent midfield acquisition is likely to be deferred until January or next summer. Although Liverpool considered Lamine Camara, there was no immediate plan to sign a midfielder this summer. The average age of Liverpool's first-team signings over the past two transfer windows is 22, indicating a strategy focused on long-term development. However, the team's early-season struggles suggest that more immediate additions might have been beneficial.
The upcoming Champions League campaign, beginning September 10, will increase the team's fixture load, presenting a new challenge for Iraola. Liverpool anticipates being in a stronger position once injured players return, but the squad's overall strength for competing on multiple fronts remains to be seen.