Liverpool has been exceptionally active in this summer`s transfer market, making substantial investments in new players. This aggressive strategy follows their 2024-25 Premier League title win, achieved in Arne Slot`s inaugural season as manager. Among their notable acquisitions is Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, who now holds the record as the club`s most expensive signing. Reports also suggest Liverpool`s interest in signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle, contingent on the successful sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich for approximately €75 million. Fenway Sports Group Holdings, LLC (FSG), an American multinational sports holding conglomerate that also owns the Boston Red Sox and the NHL`s Pittsburgh Penguins, has owned Liverpool since 2010. Under FSG`s stewardship, the club has regained significant success both domestically and in European competitions. Below, we examine the five most expensive signings of the FSG era.
Liverpool vs. Athletic Club Match Details
- Date: Monday, August 4 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: Anfield — Liverpool, England
- Live stream: CBS Sports Golazo Network
- Odds: Liverpool -153; Draw +290; Athletic Club +400
5. Alisson – €75.5 million
Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson joined Liverpool from AS Roma in summer 2018 for €75.5 million, making him the most expensive goalkeeper in the club`s history at the time. Despite initial skepticism about the high fee for a goalkeeper, Alisson quickly proved his worth, becoming a pivotal figure in Jurgen Klopp`s squad. His signing is widely regarded as one of the Premier League`s best, profoundly influencing Liverpool`s success in the past decade.
4. Virgil van Dijk – €84.5 million
Just months before Alisson`s arrival, Liverpool secured Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk from Southampton in December 2017 for €84.5 million. This transfer briefly made him the world`s most expensive defender. Van Dijk has since become one of Liverpool`s greatest players and was named club captain by Jurgen Klopp. Currently, his transfer fee ranks fourth among defenders, behind Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City, €90 million), Harry Maguire (Manchester United, €87 million), and Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus, €85 million).
3. Darwin Nunez – €85 million
Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez moved to Liverpool from Benfica in summer 2022 for an initial club-record fee of €85 million. He immediately became a vital player under Jurgen Klopp, netting 40 goals in 143 appearances over three seasons. However, following Arne Slot`s arrival last summer, Nunez`s playing time and performance have reportedly declined, leading to speculation about his potential departure this summer as Liverpool seeks to bring in new talent.
2. Hugo Ekitike – €95 million
The most recent significant acquisition for Liverpool is French striker Hugo Ekitike, who joined Arne Slot`s team from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer for €95 million. The 23-year-old boasts 26 goals and 14 assists from 64 matches for Frankfurt. Last season, he ranked second in the Bundesliga for expected goals with 21.62. Ekitike is considered a signing for Liverpool`s future, fitting Slot`s pressing system and adaptable to both 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 formations. For the Premier League, Ekitike will aim to improve his goal contribution and conversion rate, building on his career-best 15 goals in 33 Bundesliga matches last season.
1. Florian Wirtz – €125 million
Florian Wirtz is arguably Liverpool`s most impactful summer signing, regardless of future developments with Isak. Wirtz is widely regarded as a generational talent and one of Europe`s most promising attacking midfielders, having showcased his immense potential at Bayer Leverkusen over the past few years. This transfer, the most expensive in Liverpool`s history at €125 million, places significant pressure on him to justify the fee and demonstrate his world-class abilities.
