Liverpool's summer transfer window under new head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes was defined by a strategy of opportunism, with several high-profile deals collapsing before late bargains were secured. Hughes, appointed as the club's first permanent sporting director in over a year, outlined the approach on 5 July, stating the squad needed improvement and that the club would be 'opportunistic if we can'.
The most dramatic near-miss involved Newcastle's Anthony Gordon. Liverpool had arranged a medical for the winger in Leipzig while he was with England at Euro 2024, but Newcastle's successful sales of Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh to balance their finances meant the deal collapsed. Liverpool's interest in the 23-year-old, a boyhood fan, is believed to persist.
Other targets slipped away. Liverpool walked away from Leny Yoro after deciding the 18-year-old's £52m price tag was too high, especially given Real Madrid's interest. Martin Zubimendi, a long-term target for the defensive midfield role, initially agreed to join for his £51m buyout clause but later changed his mind following pressure from Real Sociedad. Liverpool did not pursue an alternative.
The club made two notable signings. Giorgi Mamardashvili was bought from Valencia for £29m on a six-year deal, with the Georgia goalkeeper set to join next summer as a long-term successor to Alisson. Federico Chiesa arrived late from Juventus for just £10m, adding depth to Liverpool's forward line. Both deals were seen as bargains, with Mamardashvili future-proofing the goalkeeping position and Chiesa providing experienced cover.
