Liverpool has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. Ten years ago, under manager Jurgen Klopp, the club had reached the Europa League final, a notable improvement from the despair felt just a year earlier when hopes were low.
Klopp, however, propelled Liverpool to unprecedented heights, securing major trophies including the Premier League and Champions League. More importantly, he restored Anfield`s status as a dominant European power, leaving the club in a strong position for his successor, Arne Slot, to build upon.
In his first season as the Reds` head coach, Slot has already guided the team to a comfortable victory in the English top flight. As a result, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) is showing support by investing heavily in the summer transfer window.
Jeremie Frimpong has officially become a Liverpool player, and Milos Kerkez is reportedly close to joining to reinforce the left side of Slot`s defense.
However, the potential arrival of Bayer Leverkusen`s Florian Wirtz is perhaps the most anticipated move.
Liverpool set to break transfer record
Liverpool is reportedly preparing to set not only a new club record but also a British transfer record with the signing of German playmaker Wirtz, who is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in global football.
Liverpool has already made several offers for the 22-year-old, with the most recent totaling £105m. Nevertheless, Sky Sports reports that the German club is holding out for £120m. This fee would indeed make Wirtz the most expensive incoming transfer in England, surpassing Chelsea`s Moises Caicedo.
Chelsea secured Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion in August 2023 for a significant £115m fee, despite Liverpool having reached an agreement with Brighton just days prior.
This was a considerable disappointment for Liverpool and led to some mockery when the club subsequently opted to sign Wataru Endo as a short-term solution for the defensive midfield position.
However, Liverpool ultimately had the last laugh. Endo performed commendably as Liverpool defeated Chelsea in last year`s Carabao Cup final and later secured the Premier League title. Furthermore, Ryan Gravenberch has developed into one of the world`s top midfielders, earning the 2024/25 Premier League Player of the Year award.
Liverpool might find themselves in a direct transfer battle with the West London club again this summer.
Liverpool planning Chelsea hijack
According to Caught Offside, Chelsea is not only aiming to sign Hugo Ekitike but also Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, having reportedly submitted a £55m bid for the young English talent.
Despite Chelsea`s interest, several other clubs are also monitoring Gittens, including Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich.
Reports suggest that Liverpool, along with Manchester City, could make their own move to bring Gittens back to England, potentially setting the stage for a transfer hijack, reminiscent of the Caicedo situation but with roles reversed.
With Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo potentially leaving Anfield this summer, Gittens could be the ideal young player to enhance Slot`s attacking options, simultaneously allowing Liverpool to gain some retribution against Chelsea.
Why Liverpool should sign Jamie Gittens
Gittens, primarily a left-sided forward, is only 20 years old but has already accumulated 107 senior appearances for Dortmund, contributing 17 goals and 14 assists.
Last season was his most prolific campaign, with 12 goals and five assists from 48 games, although much of his peak form occurred in the early months.
However, inconsistency is expected from a young player. He was highly impressive during that period, with Sky Sports` Dougie Critchley even declaring him “England`s best left winger in 2024/25”.
