Richard Hughes deadline day masterclass CONFIRMS Liverpool dominance | OneFootball

Liverpool have completed the summer transfer window having spent around £450m.

Of course plenty of money has been recouped in sales and Arne Slot’s squad looks quite different to the one that won the Premier League title last season.

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There may be the odd gap in the squad - perhaps a requirement for one more senior centre-back and another forward - but the Reds’ squad depth is certainly improved.

The last-minute addition of Alexander Isak gives Richard Hughes the new No9 he so craved - and additions elsewhere raise the ceiling for the champions.

This is how Liverpool’s squad stacks up for the season ahead with at least two top-quality players in every position.

Goalkeepers

Alisson Becker: Under contract until 2027, the 32-year-old one day will join Internacional back in Brazil. But right now he’s going nowhere and remains among the very best goalkeepers in the world.

Giorgi Mamardashvili: The 24-year-old was signed from Valencia last summer before spending the 2024/25 campaign on loan with Los Che.

He will have to bide his time to become No1 in his own right but is definitely ready to cover cup matches and any Alisson absences.

Others: Freddie Woodman, Armin Pecsi

Right-backs

Conor Bradley: The natural successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold signed a new, long-term contract over the summer break. The 22-year-old has made a great start to life in the first team at Anfield.

Jeremie Frimpong: Not necessarily a “right back” by trade, the Dutchman is a much more forward-thinking player. He is more wing-back than full-back and will get game time further forward too.

Other: Calvin Ramsay

Left-backs

Milos Kerkez: The Hungary international was among the Premier League’s most promising left-backs at Bournemouth last season - convincing Richard Hughes to spend £40m on his signature.

If he delivers on his potential then the Reds could have him as first-choice in the position for a decade.

Andy Robertson: The Scot is valued for his experience and leadership skills and looks set to see out his contract at Anfield which expires in 2026. No longer the force he once was, the 31-year-old will be a useful deputy and help set standards for Kerkez.

Centre-backs

Virgil van Dijk: Liverpool don’t have to worry about replacing their talismanic skipper until 2027 - and he has started the season in imperious form. Irreplaceable.

Ibrahima Konate: The first choice alongside Van Dijk may well leave the club next summer but right now is established as part of one of the finest centre-back partnerships around. Needs to keep himself fit and turn in consistent performances.

Joe Gomez: A late move to AC Milan was called off - meaning the 28-year-old remains at Anfield to provide cover at centre-back and both full-back positions.

Giovanni Leoni: The £26m acquisition from Parma is ready for first-team football according to Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso. How much game time he gets in his first season remains to be seen. Aged just 18, he is a signing for the future.

Other: Rhys Williams

No6

Ryan Gravenberch: Voted in as part of the PFA’s team of the season last term, Gravenberch was a revelation in the title win. Aged just 23, he is part of the long-term plan at Anfield.

Wataru Endo: Although the Japan captain is seen as a closer in the final moments of matches, he earned increased game time towards the end of Arne Slot’s first season in charge as Gravenberch lost some momentum. Will pick up the occasional start.

Stefan Bajcetic: Highly thought of at the club, his return to fitness meant that Liverpool were content to let James McConnell leave on loan and Tyler Morton to depart on a permanent basis.

Centre midfield

Alexis Mac Allister: The World Cup winner set the tempo for the Reds last season and remains among the best in the world in his position.

Curtis Jones: A sort of midfield utility man who can cover all three positions in the middle third as well as right back. Has proven his worth as a valued squad player.

Trey Nyoni: The youngster has signed a new contract and wasn’t sent on loan. That is a clue that the rangy central midfielder is set for some first-team action.

Attacking midfield

Florian Wirtz: Will be the first pick in the attacking midfield position with the Anfield club having paid up to £116m for his services.

Dominik Szoboszlai: He might not be in every “first choice” XI because of Wirtz’s signing but expect him to play most of the matches either in attacking midfield, central midfield or even at right back.

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Right-wing

Mohamed Salah: The 33-year-old remains a LOCK for his usual right-wing station but could come under a little more pressure for his position this term. Set to be away for up to 10 matches when AFCON rolls around.

Federico Chiesa: The Italian has fought back against speculation that he would be sold and looks a much better prospect for a back-up role to Salah this term. Can even play up top.

Let’s add Jeremie Frimpong here as well - as he has played frequently on the wing for Leverkusen as well as the Netherlands.

Left-wing

Cody Gakpo: Has fought off the threat of Luis Diaz on the left wing and heads into the season as first choice. Has signed a new, long-term deal for the Merseysiders and will spend his peak years at Anfield.

Rio Ngumoha: A big reason why Liverpool opted to let Diaz depart - and didn’t go for a replacement left-winger - is 17-year-old Ngumoha. A first professional contract will soon be announced for the electrifying youngster.

Striker

Alexander Isak: Liverpool’s dream signing at centre-forward has arrived for around £130m. He will hit the ground running and score plenty of goals for the Reds.