Liverpool spent £448 million across the 2025 transfer windows and still finished fifth. Twelve Premier League defeats and Arne Slot's dismissal reflected more than inconsistent results; they exposed a squad assembled without a clearly defined tactical identity. Individual quality was rarely in question, but cohesion often was. Andoni Iraola's appointment signalled a shift toward profile-driven recruitment, and Liverpool's first two signings of the summer suggest that change is already underway. The remaining question is whether the rebuild is far enough along to compete from the opening day.

The Foundation: Jacquet and Muñoz

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Liverpool's opening business has been notably more measured than last year's spending spree, and that restraint appears intentional. Jeremy Jacquet, a 20-year-old France Under-21 centre-back, arrived from Rennes in a deal worth up to £60 million after being agreed in principle during January. Victor Muñoz followed after Liverpool activated his £34.5 million release clause at Osasuna, adding a direct, high-intensity winger suited to Iraola's demanding pressing system.

Player / Metric	2025–26 Performance Data	Tactical Role at Anfield	Financial Metric
Jeremy Jacquet	19 Ligue 1 starts / 84% aerial duels won	Dominant central defender and Konaté replacement	Up to £60m
Victor Muñoz	34 appearances / 7 goals / 5 assists	Direct, high-pressing winger	£34.5m release clause
Sergio Arribas	12 goals / 8 expected assists in La Liga	Potential advanced central creator	£21.4m (€25m) valuation

Neither signing feels opportunistic. Jacquet's aerial dominance and recovery speed directly address Liverpool's defensive requirements, while Muñoz brings the verticality and work rate Iraola expects from his wide players. Together they represent a more coherent recruitment strategy than Liverpool displayed a year ago.

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They also leave important work unfinished.

1. The Central Defensive Balancing Act

Why Jacquet Alone Doesn't Solve the Problem

Jacquet replaces Ibrahima Konaté following the defender's departure at the end of his contract, but replacing one starter does not automatically restore squad depth.

Giovanni Leoni remains unavailable after suffering a serious cruciate ligament injury last season, while Jacquet himself enters pre-season after recovering from shoulder surgery. Although he is expected to participate fully during Liverpool's preparations, adapting to the physical demands of the Premier League is another challenge entirely.

That leaves Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah and Jacquet as Liverpool's senior centre-back options. On paper that appears sufficient. In practice, Gomez's versatility means any injury in central defence immediately weakens Liverpool elsewhere, forcing him away from his valuable utility role across the back line.

Liverpool may therefore still benefit from adding an experienced rotational defender capable of absorbing minutes across multiple competitions rather than relying heavily on a 20-year-old newcomer throughout his first Premier League season.

2. The Missing Vertical Creator

Why Sergio Arribas Fits Iraola's Midfield

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Perhaps the more significant gap lies in midfield.

Liverpool often controlled possession under Slot but struggled to consistently progress attacks through central areas. Iraola's football demands quicker vertical progression, requiring midfielders comfortable receiving under pressure before immediately advancing play rather than recycling possession.

Sergio Arribas appears to match that profile. His return of 12 goals and eight expected assists highlights a midfielder comfortable operating between the lines, driving attacks and supporting forwards rather than simply maintaining possession.

His reported valuation of around £21.4 million also represents a relatively modest investment compared to Liverpool's existing spending this summer.

Liverpool's previous pursuit of RB Leipzig's Yan Diomandé illustrates the club's willingness to strengthen centrally, even if that move now appears unlikely. If Arribas remains available at a significantly lower fee, he could offer a more financially efficient solution while fitting Iraola's tactical requirements equally well.

3. Completing the Wide-Forward Rotation

One Winger Isn't Enough

Victor Muñoz provides Liverpool with exactly the type of winger Iraola prefers: direct, energetic and relentless without possession.

The challenge is sustaining that intensity across a Premier League campaign, domestic cups and the Champions League.

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Mohamed Salah's future remains uncertain, while asking Muñoz to shoulder such a physically demanding role throughout the season would be unrealistic. Liverpool's reported interest in Crysencio Summerville therefore makes tactical sense rather than simply adding depth for its own sake.

The club's continued monitoring of Gilberto Mora suggests Liverpool are also planning further ahead, identifying younger wide players capable of developing into similar tactical profiles. Whether that interest develops into a concrete move this summer remains uncertain, but it reflects a broader recruitment strategy built around long-term fit rather than short-term opportunity.

Balancing Recruitment and Development

Further signings inevitably raise questions about opportunities for Liverpool's academy graduates.

Harvey Elliott and James McConnell remain capable of contributing meaningful first-team minutes, and Liverpool have traditionally benefited from integrating young players into the senior squad. Every additional arrival naturally reduces those opportunities.

Equally, there is a balance to strike between squad depth and elite match-winning quality. Liverpool's current approach prioritises multiple profile-specific additions over one marquee signing. That may produce a more cohesive squad, but title races are often decided by individuals capable of changing games when tactical structures alone are no longer enough.

Whether Liverpool eventually add that level of star power remains one of the more intriguing questions of the window.

The Bottom Line

Liverpool's recruitment under Andoni Iraola already feels more coherent than it did twelve months ago. Jacquet and Muñoz address identifiable tactical needs rather than simply adding talent, suggesting the club now has a clearer long-term vision.

The rebuild, however, remains incomplete. Additional central defensive depth, a genuinely vertical creative midfielder and another high-intensity wide forward would all strengthen the squad before the Premier League season begins.

If Liverpool can solve those remaining issues before August 22, this summer may be remembered as the point the club finally aligned its recruitment with its footballing identity rather than simply its spending power.