Beth Lindop Sep 3, 2026, 03:00 AM ET Close Based in Liverpool, Beth Lindop is ESPN's Liverpool correspondent and also covers the WSL and UWCL.

Andoni Iraola's appraisal was frank and accurate. "We need more players," he said in his first news conference as Liverpool boss. "We know this. The club is working on this." The admission came on July 13, when the summer transfer window still promised to help address the imbalance of a squad that limped to a fifth-place finish under Arne Slot last season. However, now the deadline day has passed, Iraola looks to have been dealt the same imperfect hand as his predecessor.

In terms of pure numbers, Liverpool's squad is actually weaker than it was last term. The four first-team incomings have been offset by the marquee departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konaté and Curtis Jones, followed by the exits of fringe players Calvin Ramsay and Stefan Bajcetic. Midfielder Harvey Elliott has also joined La Liga side Valencia on a seasonlong loan. While the latter trio have played a nominal role, the Reds have declined to prioritize squad depth at a time when elite football demands it.

Ahead of a campaign in which he will manage in the UEFA Champions League for the first time, Iraola has remained consistent in his desire for incomings. "We will definitely sign some players," he told Sky Sports on Aug. 21. "Some deals you have to wait until the end." In the intervening weeks, Liverpool have made just one further signing in the shape of France international Bradley Barcola, who joined for an initial €123 million from Paris Saint-Germain. He does not help to solve the lack of depth on the right wing or the Reds' glaring issues in midfield and at right back.

Ultimately, that is the crux of Liverpool's problem. This summer has seen them add quality, but at the expense of adding necessary depth to close the gap on Arsenal and Manchester City. In isolation, there is much to admire about all four of their summer signings. Barcola is the standout, but fellow forward Víctor Muñoz has impressed, scoring a stunning equalizer in last weekend's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest. The €70 million fee paid to Rennes for Jérémy Jacquet looks smart, and the addition of Barcelona captain Ronald Araújo on loan is low-risk. Inclusive of add-ons, Liverpool's £218 million net spend is the highest of any club in the Premier League.