Jamie Carragher has given his verdict on Liverpool's struggles following their 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, insisting the club must make three key signings this summer.
Carragher's Transfer Demands
Speaking on Sky Sports after the match, the former Liverpool defender outlined the specific positions that need strengthening. "Replace Mo Salah with a right winger, a right-back and a central midfielder, then the players you bought last summer like Ekitike, Isak, Wirtz become better players," Carragher said.
The Reds have endured a miserable title defence this season, losing their 11th league game of the campaign against their bitter rivals. Despite significant spending last summer, Carragher believes the club needs to return to a more strategic approach in the transfer market.
Critique of Last Summer's Spending
"Liverpool fans have been desperate for Liverpool to spend real big money, maybe like we've seen Man City or Chelsea in the past in one summer. Everyone was excited in the summer, but it didn't feel Liverpool-like to me," Carragher commented. "It felt almost Real Madrid - go and buy the best players for loads of money. I want Liverpool to go back to buying the right players for the right money."
He added that the club cannot replicate last summer's spending spree due to revenue constraints and that only three new players are needed to slot directly into the starting XI.
Gary Neville's Analysis
Fellow pundit Gary Neville suggested that the summer transfer splurge was the root of Liverpool's issues under Arne Slot. "They wanted Frimpong to replace Alexander-Arnold, they wanted Kerkez to replace Robinson. They wanted Salah to repeat his season this year. They thought Ekitike and Isak would score 60 goals between them and Wirtz would just tuck in off the left and be a sensation. It hasn't worked," Neville said.
He noted that new signings like Kerkez and Frimpong have not matched the performances of the players they replaced, and Salah has been below his usual standard. However, he questioned whether patience might allow these players to emerge next season.
Liverpool's defeat leaves them with much to ponder as they look to rebuild for the upcoming campaign.
