Liverpool’s hierarchy are understood to be satisfied with the club’s summer transfer business, despite concerns among supporters that the squad has not been strengthened sufficiently following Mohamed Salah’s departure.
The Reds completed four senior additions during a significant transition under new head coach Andoni Iraola, with the recruitment strategy focused on adding pace in attack while improving defensive depth and planning for the future.
Liverpool transfer window centred on replacing Salah
The club’s main objective was to add greater speed and quality to the wide areas, and Bradley Barcola became the centrepiece of that plan when he joined from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth up to £123 million.
Liverpool confirmed the transfer on August 31, with the France international signing a long-term contract and taking the No 29 shirt. Barcola arrived after three seasons at PSG, where he recorded 39 goals and 35 assists in 152 appearances. ([liverpoolfc.com](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-sign-bradley-barcola-paris-saint-germain?amp=1&utm_source=openai))
Victor Muñoz was also recruited to bolster the forward line. The 22-year-old Spain international joined from Osasuna after a season in which he scored seven goals and supplied five assists in all competitions. Liverpool had already agreed a deal for defender Jérémy Jacquet earlier in the year. ([liverpoolfc.com](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/liverpool-agree-deal-sign-spain-forward-victor-munoz?utm_source=openai))
Ronald Araújo completed the defensive additions after arriving from Barcelona on loan for the 2026-27 campaign. The Uruguay international gives Iraola another experienced option at centre-back, while Jacquet is viewed as a longer-term investment. ([lfcbeta.liverpoolfc.com](https://lfcbeta.liverpoolfc.com/id/news/liverpool-agree-deal-sign-ronald-araujo-loan?utm_source=openai))
Senior figures at Anfield believe those priorities were met and that the external reaction has been more negative than the internal assessment. The club also succeeded in keeping Cody Gakpo after Manchester City showed serious interest in the Netherlands forward.
Gakpo’s continued presence is considered important because it leaves Iraola with an established attacking option alongside Barcola and Muñoz, rather than forcing Liverpool to rebuild the entire forward line in one window.
Squad depth remains a concern for Iraola
There are, however, clear reasons for the unease among supporters. Liverpool made unsuccessful late attempts to sign Ismaïla Sarr and Malo Gusto, indicating that the recruitment team recognised the need for further cover in attack and at full-back.
Questions have also been raised about the midfield following Curtis Jones’s departure, with the decision not to add another player in that area leaving the squad exposed if injuries or suspensions develop.
The Athletic has reported that Liverpool’s recruitment process placed particular emphasis on younger players and long-term value, while the club believes Iraola can improve members of the existing squad through his coaching rather than relying exclusively on new arrivals.
That approach means the transfer window may not be judged fully until the season has developed. Barcola’s adaptation, Gakpo’s role and the progress of Liverpool’s younger players will all be central to whether the hierarchy’s confidence is justified.
