Arne Slot is working mostly with what Jurgen Klopp left him (Image: Getty)
Liverpool had several transfer targets in mind before finalising two late deals to bolster Arne Slot's squad for his debut season. For a while, it seemed the Reds might not sign any new players as the summer transfer window was drawing to a close.
However, they managed to secure a deal for goalkeeper Georgi Mamardashvili - set to join the club in 2025 - and made the £12.5million acquisition of Federico Chiesa from Juventus just before the deadline. Despite the limited influx of new talent, the Dutch manager's reign has not been adversely affected so far.
His team's excellent pre-season performance has continued into the Premier League, with three consecutive victories, including an impressive 3-0 triumph over Manchester United. Nevertheless, there were certain gaps the club had hoped to fill this summer, as we examine the deals they failed to secure and the opportunities they let slip.
Early in the window, Liverpool looked to have their sights set on signing a new winger, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah's future at Anfield as he enters the final year of his current contract.
Newcastle star Gordon emerged as a top contender, particularly as his club struggled to meet the Premier League profit and sustainability rules deadline and needed to make some quick sales.
Anthony Gordon has stayed at Newcastle for another season (Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United)
Liverpool saw an opportunity to capitalise on Newcastle's financial issues, with defenders Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez being considered for potential swap deals. However, the Magpies decided to retain Gordon, balancing their finances elsewhere.
As quickly as the Reds showed interest, it was squashed. Gordon was no longer up for sale, and his price tag increased to over £80m, resulting in the 23-year-old staying put.
Gordon, a former Everton player, continues to shine this season, scoring one goal in their first three matches. He is reportedly still on Liverpool's radar and is known to be a lifelong fan of the club.
Martin Zubimendi turned down an advance from Anfield (Image: Getty Images)
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Martin Zubimendi
Real Sociedad's versatile defensive midfielder Zubimendi emerged as one of Slot's transfer priorities this window. The club was prepared to meet the Spaniard's £51.5m release clause.
With Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Wataru Endo available as holding players, Zubimendi could have provided competition and potentially become a regular starter. However, despite advanced talks and the increased likelihood of him becoming the club's first summer signing, Zubimendi rejected Liverpool, opting to stay in Spain for at least another year.
Anfield chiefs can take some comfort from the fact that Gravenberch has adapted well to playing under Slot and seems to have secured his position in the starting XI, particularly after his impressive performance against United.
Riccardo Calafiori opted to join Arsenal instead (Image: Getty)
Riccardo Calafiori
In addition to the firm interest in Gordon and Zubimendi, Liverpool had several other potential targets this summer. Riccardo Calafiori was one of them, attracting attention from across Europe, primarily in the Premier League, after his performances at Euro 2024.
Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool were all reportedly interested in the 22-year-old to varying extents, with the Reds looking for a promising centre-half to potentially succeed Virgil van Dijk, whose contract expires next summer as he turns 34.
However, the Gunners were always the main contenders for Calafiori's signature, and he eventually made the £42m move to the Emirates to play for Mikel Arteta. He made his Premier League debut in the club's 2-0 victory over Aston Villa and is expected to be used as a left-back by Arteta, competing with Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko for the spot.
Arda Guler was another standout performer at Euro 2024 (Image: Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty)
Arda Guler
Liverpool's rumoured interest in Turkish prodigy Arda Guler didn't gain traction this summer, but there were reports that the club had approached Real Madrid about signing him. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder only joined the Spanish giants in 2023 but struggled to get regular first-team action, given the wealth of talent available to Carlo Ancelotti.
Following his impressive performance at Euro 2024, speculation grew that he was keen to leave the Bernabeu, with the Reds reportedly ready to reignite their interest in the star - currently valued at £40m by Transfermarkt - from before his move last summer.
Guler has struggled to make an impact at Real this season after a potential move to Anfield fell through, despite injuries to Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was an alternative wide option (Image: Getty )
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Liverpool's quest for a top-tier winger may have led them to Napoli's superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who would have made a significant impact had he joined Anfield this summer. A deal for the talented Georgian was never truly on the table, despite rumours that the club were gearing up to make a sensational bid for Kvaratskhelia.
That's primarily because of his staggering price tag - rumoured to be over £100m. Kvaratskhelia had hinted that leaving Napoli could be on the cards - given their failure to secure Champions League football - and pledged to make a decision post-Euro 2024.
However, it became clear that, aside from the speculated PSG, few clubs, if any, could afford the winger. Antonio Conte has now been assured that Kvaratskhelia will play a crucial role in his squad for the upcoming Serie A season.
