Liverpool’s comfortable victory over Ipswich Town may have secured three points, but the spotlight quickly shifted to their £43 million signing, who is now facing criticism from Manchester United legend Paul Scholes. Scholes, known for his blunt opinions, has raised doubts over the player’s worth, questioning whether Liverpool’s significant investment has been justified.
During a post-match analysis, Scholes was outspoken about the new recruit, saying, “I don’t know why we signed him. With such a performance, he has proved that he’s just wasted funds. He has not become a better replacement for the player formerly in this position.” While Scholes did not explicitly name the former player, many speculate he was referring to Fabinho, who left Liverpool for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia during the summer. Fabinho had been a key figure in Liverpool’s midfield, and his departure left a gap that fans expected the new signing to fill seamlessly.
However, Scholes believes the £43 million man has failed to live up to expectations. Against Ipswich, a newly promoted team, the player struggled to match the game’s pace and was often caught out of position. Despite Liverpool’s dominant possession and 3-0 win, the performance of their marquee signing left much to be desired.
Scholes’ criticism was echoed by several frustrated Liverpool fans, who took to social media to express their disappointment. One fan tweeted, “This isn’t the player we thought we were getting. For £43 million, we expected more.”
On the other hand, some defended the player, pointing out that he is still adjusting to a new league and Jurgen Klopp’s system. They also highlighted his defensive contributions during the match, suggesting his efforts were overlooked in the wake of his mistakes.
Regardless of the divided opinions, the pressure is mounting on Liverpool’s big-money signing to prove himself. With tougher matches ahead, he will need to demonstrate his value before he becomes another high-profile Premier League flop. For now, Liverpool’s £43 million gamble is under intense scrutiny.