After succeeding Jurgen Klopp, manager Arne Slot's initial transfer window was modest, with a $49 million outlay, including $35 million for goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. However, through astute tactical adjustments, flexible in-game changes, and Mo Salah's exceptional individual form, the Dutch manager exceeded expectations, guiding the team to the 2024-2025 Premier League title. This success makes this summer's squad overhaul even more significant.

Not content to rest on their laurels, Liverpool immediately embarked on a mission to bolster their squad, aiming not only to retain the title but also to surpass last season's achievements. They've already invested nearly $405 million in new signings, a figure that could rise by another $200 million if they secure Alexander Isak.

Wirtz (left) in action during a friendly against Yokohama F Marinos on 30/7. Photo: Reuters

Wirtz (left) in action during a friendly against Yokohama F Marinos on 30/7. Photo: Reuters

The potential record-breaking signing of Florian Wirtz is the centerpiece of Liverpool's 2025 summer transfer window, with the German international poised to play a pivotal role in attack. However, the additions of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez will revolutionize Liverpool's approach on the flanks.

These changes will impact the central defense, Ryan Gravenberch's midfield role, and even Mohamed Salah's positioning. New striker Hugo Ekitike offers the potential to connect the entire system, promising a dramatic tactical shift in Slot's second season.

Kerkez and Frimpong: a new dynamic duo on the wings

Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure has been the catalyst for change. On the left, Kerkez is seen as Andy Robertson's successor, reminiscent of the Scotsman's prime: tireless runs, overlapping and underlapping runs, and accurate crosses and cutbacks. Meanwhile, Frimpong offers a stark contrast to Trent on the right.

Frimpong (left) and Kerkez will be Liverpool's new wing pairing this season. Photo: LFC Transfers

Frimpong (left) and Kerkez will be Liverpool's new wing pairing this season. Photo: LFC Transfers

At Leverkusen, Frimpong operated as a right wing-back, tasked with penetrating dangerous areas. Unlike Trent, who orchestrated play from deep at Anfield, Frimpong often played like a right winger under Xabi Alonso, driving the attack forward with off-the-ball runs and dribbling skills.

In essence, Trent delivered the ball into the box with passes, while Frimpong carries it in himself. Both Kerkez and Frimpong are expected to push high up the flanks, stretching the opposition defense horizontally during Liverpool's attacks.

Gravenberch (center) on the ball during the 3-1 friendly win against Bilbao at Anfield on 5/8. Photo: Liverpool FC

Inside forwards: cutting in from the wings

With Kerkez and Frimpong occupying the wide areas, opportunities will arise for Wirtz on the left and Salah on the right to cut inside, using their stronger foot to shoot or create chances. While this is a trademark of Salah's game, Wirtz has also demonstrated his effectiveness in this role at Leverkusen.

Wirtz's diverse skill set makes him a versatile option. Last season in the Bundesliga, the 22-year-old led the league in successful dribbles (82 out of 165), achieved double figures in both goals and assists with 10 and 12 respectively, and topped the charts for ball recoveries in the final third (1.25 per 90 minutes).

Wirtz thrived as a free-roaming left winger under Alonso, and this could be Slot's plan, especially with Luis Diaz's move to Bayern and Cody Gakpo's uncertain future.

Salah, last season's Premier League Player of the Year and Golden Boot winner, is, at 33, being geared towards maximizing his goal-scoring prowess rather than relying on intense activity. This shift began last season when the Egyptian star revealed that Slot had reduced his defensive responsibilities, a trend likely to continue.

Ekitike: the connecting piece

Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in early July, will be remembered as a successful central striker for Liverpool. Compared to the late Portuguese forward, Hugo Ekitike, arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt, has demonstrated in the Bundesliga his ability to bring a fresh dynamic to Liverpool's attack.

Despite his 6'3" frame, Ekitike is not simply a target man. The French forward is adept at making runs between the center-backs or dropping into midfield to participate in build-up play. His wide range of movement could create space for Wirtz and Salah to exploit.

Slot expects Ekitike to combine teamwork with a goal-scoring instinct, building on his career-best 15 Bundesliga goals last season. As the Bundesliga's most prolific shooter in 2024-2025, Ekitike will pose a significant threat.

Midfield support and defensive cover

These attacking innovations require intelligent midfield movement. Gravenberch dropping between the center-backs to form a back three during build-up play was a feature of last season, as was his lateral movement to cover the right-back position. This role for the Dutch midfielder is likely to remain.

Furthermore, Liverpool will rely on Ibrahima Konate's ability to cover the right half-space and Virgil van Dijk's experience to organize and marshal the defense.

Gravenberch (center) on the ball during the 3-1 friendly win against Bilbao at Anfield on 5/8. Photo: Liverpool FC

Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai will also be crucial, whether playing as two number eights ahead of Gravenberch or with one dropping deeper to form a double pivot. The other would then take on a more advanced, fluid number 10 role.

Conor Bradley and Curtis Jones are among those eager to establish themselves, and with Liverpool competing on multiple fronts, they will have opportunities. The new signings add depth to Slot's plans, but one thing is clear: this season's Liverpool will be a very different proposition.

Hoang Thong (via Sky Sports)