Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes is facing scrutiny over the club's transfer strategy this summer, even as the team boasts the league's largest net spend. Hughes, who is reportedly set to move to Saudi Arabia, has been criticized for failing to adequately strengthen key positions, particularly in defense and central midfield, despite substantial investment.
Hughes, who previously recruited manager Arne Slot, oversaw a period that culminated in a Premier League title win. His tenure also included high-profile signings such as Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, though their impact has yet to fully materialize. The club spent approximately £446 million in the 2025 transfer window and a further £693 million on first-team players since winning the league title.
Squad Weaknesses Identified
New head coach Andoni Iraola, who Hughes also recruited for Bournemouth, has been left with a squad perceived as lacking depth in crucial areas. While the signing of Bradley Barcola is seen as a positive move, the team's fullback and central midfield positions are considered vulnerable. The defense, featuring veteran Virgil van Dijk and newcomer Jeremy Jacquet, is highlighted as a particular concern, with injuries and a lack of cover exacerbating the issue. The need for a deeper-lying midfielder has been evident since Fabinho's departure in 2023.
At fullback, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez are seen as considerable downgrades from previous key players. Frimpong is currently the only fit right back, with Conor Bradley sidelined by injury. The team also faces potential issues at left back, where Kostas Tsimikas is the deputy, having struggled for game time previously.
Transfer Window Decisions
The club's approach to replacing Mohamed Salah, who is out of contract at the end of the season along with several other key players like Alisson, Van Dijk, Gomez, Tsimikas, and Wataru Endo, has also drawn criticism. While ambition in terms of spending is not in question, the allocation of funds and the strategic plan behind the signings are being debated by supporters.
Despite the criticism, Hughes may be remembered more favorably if signings like Isak and Wirtz eventually fulfill their potential, and if summer acquisitions Barcola and Victor Munoz prove to be shrewd investments. However, as the transfer window closes and Hughes prepares for his departure, the immediate sentiment is that Iraola's squad has been left exposed in critical areas, suggesting unresolved design flaws in the team's composition.