Liverpool’s 2023-2024 season was marked by major market transactions, aiming to improve on the previous disappointing year and increase their odds of returning to the top of the Premier League and European competitions. However, not all new signings have been as successful as hoped. This article examines key transfers, distinguishing between those that met expectations and those that disappointed.
Successes: Who lived up to expectations?
Dominik Szoboszlai: The new star of the midfield
One of the most notable signings was Dominik Szoboszlai, who arrived from RB Leipzig for about 70 million euros. Since his arrival, the Hungarian has proven to be a key player for Liverpool. Blessed with refined technique, game vision, and a propensity for offensive insertion, Szoboszlai immediately reinvigorated Klopp’s midfield, which often appeared lacking in inventiveness the previous year. His dynamism and ability to score and provide assists made him a key figure, as demonstrated in the win against Newcastle, where he led the team with surprising leadership for such a young player. This transfer is undoubtedly a success, both individually and in terms of his contribution to the team’s balance.Â
Alexis Mac Allister: A world champion who makes a difference
Another notable purchase was Alexis Mac Allister, taken from Brighton for 42 million euros. The Argentine midfielder, a World Cup winner with Argentina, had been bought to give Liverpool more control and quality in ball possession. Mac Allister responded positively, adapting quickly to Klopp’s system and showing great versatility. Despite some fluctuating performances, often due to being employed in less congenial roles, his contribution in terms of pressing and game management has been remarkable. His ability to play between the lines and create chances makes him a valuable asset to the team.
Wataru Endo: Solidity and experienceÂ
The purchase of Wataru Endo from Stuttgart received less attention, but proved to be a smart move. The experienced veteran Japanese midfielder was bought to bring defensive stability and a reliable presence in the middle of the field. Although not always a starter, Endo has played a key role in difficult matches, offering security and protection to the defense when needed. While he is not a spectacular player, his decent contribution has been crucial at various times, proving to be a solid purchase and functional in Klopp’s system.
Failures: Who has disappointed so far?
Ryan Gravenberch: Untapped talent?
Ryan Gravenberch, bought from Bayern Munich, arrived with high expectations. Considered one of the most promising youngsters in European soccer, it was hoped that at Liverpool he would finally explode. However, his integration into the team has not been easy, and so far his impact has been limited. Klopp has mainly employed him as a reserve, and his performances have been mixed. Although he has shown flashes of talent, the young Dutchman is struggling to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, and he seems to need more time to find his size in Liverpool.
Darwin Núñez: Still looking for continuity
Darwin Núñez, who arrived from Benfica the previous season, continues to be an enigma for Liverpool. After a first year of adjustment, the Uruguayan striker was expected to finally explode, but so far he has shown only flashes of his potential. His performances have been characterized by ups and downs: he has scored important goals, but he has also shown difficulty integrating into Klopp’s offensive system. Despite his physical and technical qualities, Núñez has yet to find the continuity of performance that the club hoped for, leaving fans uncertain about his future impact.
Fabio Carvalho: A missed opportunity
Fabio Carvalho, a young talent from Fulham, was seen as an interesting bet for the future. However, so far his time on the field has been very limited. Often relegated to the bench or employed for only a few minutes, Carvalho has not had the opportunity to prove his worth. With strong competition in the offensive department, the risk is that his talent may be wasted if he does not find more space to express himself. Although it is still early to completely rule out the success of his transfer, it is clear that so far he has not met expectations.
Final reflections: mixed results and high expectations for a new winning cycle
After an overall assessment, we can affirm that Liverpool’s market for the 2023-2024 season has produced mixed results. While players such as Szoboszlai and Mac Allister have proven to be key acquisitions, others, such as Gravenberch and Núñez, are still trying to find their size within the team. The club’s success will depend largely on the ability of these players to adapt and improve over the course of the season, helping to return Liverpool to the top of English and international soccer.
Liverpool’s new signings in August 2024, along with the arrival of Arne Slot, are already making a difference and could revolutionize the course of the 2024-2025 league. After years of fluctuating performances, the team has found a new stability, showing real progress in recent matches. In particular, Liverpool achieved decisive victories against top-ranked opponents, such as 3-0 against Manchester United and 2-1 against Chelsea, matches in which the team showed brilliant and well-organized play, typical of Slot’s philosophy. Targeted purchases in the market window, including new reinforcements in defense and midfield, have given the team solidity and allowed it to solve some tactical gaps.
The mix of young talent and experienced players, combined with Slot’s technical leadership, has restored balance to the group and created a new winning mentality. Thanks to judicious game management and a high pressing that has put opposing defenses under pressure, Liverpool has become a genuine contender for major trophies, and recent victories are cementing the belief that this season could mark the beginning of a new cycle of success.