Liverpool entered the new season on the back of one of their biggest transfer splurges in recent memory, spending a staggering £446 million to bring in Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni, and Hugo Ekitike.
Such heavy investment often brings growing pains, and Liverpool have experienced their fair share under new manager Arne Slot. The Dutchman has had to juggle several challenges — from getting the best out of £116m signing Wirtz to coping with injuries to key players like Alisson Becker and young Italian defender Leoni.
As defending Premier League champions, expectations remain sky-high, but Slot’s side have struggled for consistency across both domestic and European competitions while trying to blend their new arrivals.
Darwin Núñez flourishing abroad
Former Liverpool striker Darwin Núñez continues to make headlines after leaving Anfield for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where he has hit form under Simone Inzaghi. The Uruguayan has scored four goals and registered two assists in five appearances, including a two-goal, one-assist display against Al-Ettifaq on his return from a knee injury.
Núñez’s resurgence could give Slot pause for thought, with only Ekitike currently firing among his expensive attacking options. Núñez, who scored 40 goals and provided 26 assists in 143 Liverpool appearances, remains a divisive figure among supporters — viewed by some as the one that got away, and by others as a player who never truly fit into the system.
Wirtz beginning to find his feet
New signing Florian Wirtz has endured a mixed start to life on Merseyside. The £116m midfielder arrived from Bayer Leverkusen with immense expectations but has found it difficult to adapt fully to Slot’s system.
However, flashes of brilliance have hinted at his potential. One standout moment came in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea before the international break, when Wirtz produced a stunning flick inside the box to set up Mohamed Salah, whose heavy touch spoiled the chance.
Former Tottenham striker Darren Bent, speaking on talkSPORT, praised Wirtz’s creativity:
“If you watch him closely, you’ll see moments of pure genius. His touch at the end of that Chelsea game was mind-blowing — he’s just on a different wavelength.”
Bent believes Wirtz will thrive once he and his teammates find greater on-field understanding.
Owen Beck’s injury struggles
Meanwhile, Liverpool academy graduate Owen Beck is enduring a difficult spell on loan at Derby County. The 23-year-old full-back, who impressed during previous loans at Dundee United and Blackburn Rovers, has seen his progress stalled by injury setbacks this season.
Derby boss John Eustace, who previously managed Beck at Blackburn, expressed sympathy for the defender’s situation:
“It’s been a really tough time for Owen. He’s not yet training fully with the group, and it’s been frustrating for everyone. But he’s working hard, and once he’s fit, he’ll be a big help to the squad.”
With Andy Robertson still first choice at Anfield and Kerkez arriving from Bournemouth this summer, Beck’s long-term Liverpool future looks uncertain. Another loan — or even a permanent move — may soon be on the cards.
