Liverpool Football Club supporters have grown accustomed to drama in the transfer market, but the summer of 2025 delivered a whirlwind of activity that’s still reverberating through Anfield. With the club off to a flawless Premier League start under new manager Arne Slot, the conversation has shifted to both the immediate on-field success and the far-reaching implications of the club’s bold moves in the transfer window. As fans celebrate nine points from nine, the underlying story is one of transformation, renewal, and meticulous planning for a future beyond the current stars.
The Daily Red podcast, hosted by Guy Drinkel, recently put Liverpool’s transfer strategy under the microscope, highlighting the club’s impressive start and the groundwork being laid for years to come. Drinkel opened by noting, “Arne Slot is up for manager of the month with our perfect start to the season, nine points out of nine.” That’s no small feat in a league as competitive as the Premier League, and it’s been enough to earn Slot early recognition and a nomination for Manager of the Month. The buzz around Anfield is palpable, and optimism is running high as the new manager’s philosophy takes root.
One of the season’s brightest sparks has been new arrival Hugo Ekitike. Drinkel was quick to praise the forward’s impact, stating, “Hugo Ekitike started the season so well,” while also singling out Dominik Szoboszlai for his “bloody sensational” performances at right-back. Such early-season recognition, Drinkel emphasized, is a testament to the competitive edge and fresh energy Slot has instilled in the squad. The competition for places is fierce, and it’s already producing standout performances across the pitch.
But while Liverpool’s current form is making headlines, it’s the club’s long-term vision that’s capturing the imagination of fans and pundits alike. The podcast’s most tantalizing segment revolved around Michael Olise, the ex-Crystal Palace and Bayern Munich winger who’s been widely tipped as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah. Drinkel didn’t mince words: “He was phenomenal, like he was probably the most exciting player in the league.” Lewis Steele’s reporting, referenced in the discussion, positioned Olise as a logical heir to Salah’s throne. Drinkel expanded on this, saying, “He is just phenomenal, maybe he doesn’t have the goal scoring capability of Mo Salah, not many players do, but we just kind of signed a striker for 125 million who might be able to do that.”
The prospect of Olise arriving at Anfield next summer or the one after, when he’ll be 24 or 25 and entering his peak, has fans dreaming of a new era. “If we get him next summer or the summer after, he’d be 24, 25, start of his peak, and he is just phenomenal,” Drinkel enthused. This isn’t idle speculation—Liverpool’s pursuit of talents like Olise signals serious ambition and a willingness to invest in the future. The conversation even drifted into fantasy football territory with Drinkel’s musings: “A front four of Isak up front, Wirtz behind, Olise on the right, and then would Rio be ready? Maybe he’s going to be one of those freaks who’s just the best player in the world.” For the faithful, the vision is as thrilling as it is plausible.
Another critical component of Liverpool’s succession planning is the fate of Jarrell Quansah. The young defender’s move to Bayer Leverkusen this summer netted the club £35 million—a sum that places him among Liverpool’s ten most lucrative sales ever. Importantly, the deal includes a buy-back clause, a detail Drinkel highlighted: “Liverpool have contract terms agreed with Jarrell Quansah if buyback is triggered.” Reflecting on Quansah’s time at the club, Drinkel recalled, “The last Klopp year, he was obviously really good. There were some mistakes in there, he’s a young defender… but he does look tailor made for the Premier League.”
For Liverpool, the inclusion of a buy-back clause is more than just a safety net—it’s a strategic move in anticipation of future needs. “If he develops, I mean, at this stage Ibou is going in a year… we need to replace homegrown players eventually,” Drinkel explained. The thinking is clear: let Quansah mature at the top level in Germany, then potentially bring him back as a finished product. It’s a move that balances financial prudence with footballing foresight.
The summer’s transfer activity didn’t stop at Quansah. In total, Liverpool sold over £228 million worth of players, with four departures—Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Jarrell Quansah, and Harvey Elliott—making the club’s ten most expensive sales of all time. Diaz’s move to Bayern Munich for £65.5 million and Nunez’s switch to Al-Hilal for £46.3 million were headline-grabbers. While Nunez’s sale resulted in a near £40 million loss, Diaz’s departure at 28 was seen by many as shrewd business, especially considering his 17 goals the previous season.
Harvey Elliott’s loan to Aston Villa, with an obligation to buy for £35 million if he makes ten appearances, is another example of Liverpool’s savvy in the market. Elliott, who joined the Reds from Fulham in 2019, became a key squad player and was present for the 2020 Premier League triumph and six major trophies during his stint. His move, though bittersweet, reflects the club’s willingness to make tough decisions in pursuit of long-term stability.
Looking back, Liverpool’s top sales have financed some of the club’s greatest modern successes. Philippe Coutinho’s £142 million move to Barcelona in 2018 remains the largest, with the proceeds instrumental in bringing in the likes of Alisson and Virgil van Dijk—two pillars of Liverpool’s Champions League and Premier League triumphs under Jurgen Klopp. Other notable exits, such as Sadio Mane, Fabinho, Raheem Sterling, Fernando Torres, and Luis Suarez, all feature prominently in the club’s financial history, each departure marking the end of an era and the start of a new chapter.
Amid all this change, Liverpool are also investing in the future off the pitch. The club’s academy at Kirkby is set for a £20 million redevelopment, a move Drinkel called “probably a worthy investment.” Strengthening the academy ensures a steady pipeline of elite young talent, aligning with the club’s broader philosophy of youth integration and succession planning. It’s a commitment to sustainability that underpins every decision, from blockbuster sales to calculated buys and infrastructural upgrades.
As the 2025-2026 season gathers pace, Liverpool fans have every reason to be excited. The team’s perfect start under Arne Slot, combined with a forward-thinking transfer strategy and investment in youth, suggests that the club isn’t just living in the moment—it’s building for the next decade. Whether it’s the potential arrival of Michael Olise, the possible return of Jarrell Quansah, or the emergence of the next academy star, the future at Anfield looks as bright as ever. The only question left is: how high can this new-look Liverpool soar?
