In summer 2025, Anfield spent 603 million USD to bring in seven new players. This included three prominent deals: Alexander Isak for 175,5 million USD from Newcastle, Florian Wirtz for 170 million USD from Leverkusen, and Hugo Ekitike for 106,5 million USD from Frankfurt.

Despite this massive investment, Liverpool finished only fifth in the Premier League, trailing champions Arsenal by 25 points. Their disappointing performance led to the dismissal of coach Arne Slot, who was subsequently replaced by Andoni Iraola.

Hugo Ekitike on the ground due to injury during Liverpool's Champions League quarter-final second leg against PSG on the evening of 14/4. Photo: DeFodi

Reflecting on the previous season's transfer activity, Carragher suggested that all new signings, with the exception of Ekitike, must improve quickly. Otherwise, they risk being labeled the worst group of new players in Premier League history. "If the situation doesn't change in the next two or three months, if the players don't improve under Iraola, I think we can look back at that transfer window and consider it one of the worst, perhaps even the worst in Premier League history, given the fees and expectations placed upon them", Carragher commented.

Carragher also argued that Liverpool's new signings were not held sufficiently accountable last season. Most criticism at the time was directed at Arne Slot, with arguments suggesting his coaching style differed from Jurgen Klopp's and hindered player performance. However, according to Carragher, the problem might be more deeply rooted in the squad's quality and structure, rather than solely Slot's coaching methods.

"What worries me after watching Liverpool's opening match this season is that the transfer window 12 months ago could take Liverpool one or two years to fix", the former English defender warned.

Earlier, Gary Neville also criticized Wirtz and Isak following Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Newcastle in the first round of the 2026-2027 Premier League season. Both players started the match but made little impact. Wirtz was substituted in the 63rd minute, while Isak squandered two clear opportunities.

Neville believes Liverpool is being too lenient with the two expensive new signings, Wirtz and Isak, as they have not yet demonstrated an impact commensurate with the club's investment. He stated that the duo plays too passively and needs to be more aggressive and proactive to make a difference: "They have to start performing now, otherwise they will face a lot of criticism".

Alexander Isak (red shirt) looks dejected during Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Newcastle in the Premier League's first round in Newcastle, England, 23/8/2026. Photo: AP

Neville demanded that Wirtz change his style of play. The former Manchester United defender suggested that the German midfielder's somewhat languid approach needs improvement, and he must focus more on scoring and assisting. "There are players who play very gracefully, just moving across the pitch, like Mesut Ozil or Kai Havertz. But sometimes I just want to 'attach rockets' to Wirtz to make him speed up", Neville said. "He has ability, talent, and understands his position. But sometimes I think Wirtz moves too much and isn't close enough to the striker. Sometimes he doesn't seem to understand where the game will be decided".

Neville believes the biggest current issue is that Wirtz and Isak have not established the expected connection. According to the 51-year-old former player, Wirtz is moving too wide and getting too involved in build-up play. He should instead concentrate on a second striker role: playing close to Isak, exploiting space around center-backs, and creating incisive passes. Neville believes Wirtz needs to adjust his play to better utilize Isak's abilities.

Hong Duy (via Daily Mail)