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Liverpool closes summer transfer window with heavy attacking investment and defensive depth concerns

A net spend near £200 million included signing Bradley Barcola, but injuries and senior departures leave questions over defensive coverage.

Updated Sep 2, 2026 · 11:18 UTC1 reports

The short version

Liverpool completed its summer transfer business with a net spend just under £200 million, highlighted by the £123 million signing of forward Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain.
Several senior players exited, including Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate on free transfers, while Curtis Jones moved to Inter Milan.
Injuries to defenders Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley have placed early strain on backline depth as Liverpool prepares for its Champions League campaign starting September 10.

Liverpool reached a net spend of just under £200 million, signing Bradley Barcola for £123 million, Victor Munoz, 18-year-old goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans for up to £30 million, and bringing in Ronald Araujo on loan with a £47 million buy option.[BBC News]
Departures from the squad included Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate leaving on free transfers, alongside Curtis Jones departing for Inter Milan in a £30 million deal.[BBC News]
Liverpool rejected an £80 million offer from Manchester City for forward Cody Gakpo due to an inability to land a replacement.[BBC News]
Defensive injuries have sidelined Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley for the long term, following a pre-season injury to Joe Gomez.[BBC News]
Liverpool's schedule expands to include Champions League matches starting on September 10.[BBC News]

It remains uncertain whether Liverpool's current defensive depth and midfield structure will hold up under a congested schedule before potential reinforcements in future transfer windows.[BBC News]