Liverpool's summer transfer spending, a record £450m outlay overseen by sporting director Richard Hughes, has not yielded the expected results, with the Reds now battling for a top-four finish in the Premier League. The overhaul, which brought in Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Giovanni Leoni, followed Arne Slot's league title win in his first season.
Hughes, who joined the club in 2024 from Bournemouth, is under contract until 2027 but has been linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Reports from the Middle East suggest he has agreed to join, although The Telegraph reports he is on a three-man shortlist. Al-Hilal have not yet contacted Liverpool, and the club are content he will not leave. If a deal were reached, Hughes would not start until the summer.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are alarmed by the fitness of summer signing Jeremy Jacquet, a £60m centre-back bought from Rennes in January. Jacquet underwent shoulder surgery after a fracture sustained in a Ligue 1 match against Lens. Rennes confirmed the operation was successful, but French publication Sport reports he could be sidelined for eight to 12 weeks. The injury is expected to delay his integration, with the defender likely to have a light pre-season and arrive lacking match fitness.
The club had envisioned Jacquet forming a partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the start of next season, but the severity of the injury has caused panic. The 20-year-old outbid Chelsea for the January move, with the deal including £55m upfront and £5m in add-ons.
