Taking over from Jurgen Klopp — one of Liverpool’s most successful managers — was always going to be a monumental challenge. When Arne Slot arrived at Anfield, expectations were sky-high. His debut season suggested a seamless transition, with Liverpool lifting another Premier League title and fans believing the Dutch tactician was the perfect heir to Klopp’s throne.
But as football often reminds us, fortunes can change quickly. Slot’s second season in charge has been anything but smooth. The Reds have endured a shocking run of form, losing six of their last seven matches, including a demoralizing Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Crystal Palace. This dip in results has sparked questions over Slot’s tactics, team selections, and overall approach — particularly after the club’s heavy summer spending spree.
Liverpool’s board heavily backed their new manager with significant investment in the transfer market, bringing in several high-profile signings meant to strengthen every department. Yet, many of those signings have struggled to adapt, with inconsistency and injuries hampering the squad’s progress.
With that in mind, here’s a full ranking of every Arne Slot signing so far — from those who’ve disappointed to those proving their worth. Rankings are based on performances, value for money, and overall contribution to the team.
9. Freddie Woodman (Free Transfer)
It’s difficult to be too critical of Freddie Woodman. Signed on a free transfer from Preston North End, the English goalkeeper was never expected to be more than Liverpool’s third-choice option. His arrival was primarily to add depth behind Alisson and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
However, his first and only appearance came under unfortunate circumstances — a 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup. Despite the poor result, Woodman couldn’t be blamed for much of what went wrong that evening. Still, his role remains limited, and he’s unlikely to make more than a few appearances before his contract expires.
8. Milos Kerkez (£40 million)
Kerkez’s move from Bournemouth was one of the most anticipated deals of the summer. The Hungarian full-back had built a reputation as one of the most dynamic defenders in the Premier League, even earning a place in the 2024/25 PFA Team of the Year.
Yet since joining Liverpool, he has looked a shadow of his former self. His defensive positioning has been suspect, and he has lacked the attacking confidence that once made him such a threat down the flank. Pundits, including Gary Neville, have criticized his form and suggested that Arne Slot should consider dropping him to rebuild his confidence. At just 21 years old, time is on his side — but he’ll need to improve fast to justify that £40 million fee.
7. Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5 million)
Seen as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Frimpong’s arrival from Bayer Leverkusen was met with excitement. His electric pace and attacking flair under Xabi Alonso made him one of Europe’s most entertaining full-backs.
Unfortunately, injuries have derailed his progress. After an early hamstring problem, Frimpong has struggled to regain rhythm and fitness. He’s yet to complete a full 90 minutes in the Premier League or Champions League, and bizarrely, Slot has even experimented with playing Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back in his absence. Another setback will now keep him out for six weeks, leaving Liverpool fans frustrated about what could have been a transformative signing.
6. Florian Wirtz (£116 million)
When Liverpool secured the £116 million signature of Florian Wirtz — beating both Bayern Munich and Manchester City — fans believed they were witnessing the arrival of a generational talent. Wirtz had been sensational in Germany, registering 44 goal contributions across two Bundesliga seasons.
However, the transition to English football hasn’t been smooth. The 22-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance but has largely struggled to influence games consistently. With just three assists so far, Wirtz appears short of confidence and sharpness. Nonetheless, his quality is undeniable. If Slot can unlock his full potential, Wirtz could yet become the creative heartbeat Liverpool fans were promised.
5. Alexander Isak (£125 million)
Liverpool’s record-breaking signing, Alexander Isak, arrived from Newcastle with a huge reputation and an even bigger price tag. The Swedish striker had been one of the Premier League’s most clinical finishers, netting 23 goals in the previous campaign.
Yet his start at Anfield has been underwhelming. With only one goal and one assist to his name, Isak has struggled to find chemistry with his new teammates. To make matters worse, a groin injury has sidelined him for several weeks. Despite the slow beginning, many believe he’ll eventually rediscover his form — provided he can stay fit and Slot adapts his system to suit the striker’s strengths.
4. Geovanni Leoni (£26 million)
Liverpool’s defensive recruitment looked promising when they brought in Geovanni Leoni from Parma. The young centre-back made an immediate impression in his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup, showcasing composure, strength, and tactical awareness.
Sadly, his momentum was cut short by a devastating ACL injury, ruling him out for several months. Even so, his brief appearance gave Liverpool fans hope that he could become a long-term defensive solution once he returns to full fitness.
3. Federico Chiesa (£12.5 million)
Chiesa’s Liverpool career looked doomed after a frustrating debut season plagued by injuries and lack of game time. Having played just 104 Premier League minutes in 2024/25, the Italian winger was written off by many as a failed experiment.
Fast forward to the new campaign, and the narrative has changed. Chiesa has rediscovered the spark that once made him Italy’s Euro 2020 hero. With two goals and an assist already, he’s showing signs of becoming a key creative outlet for Slot. If he maintains his fitness, his bargain £12.5 million fee could end up being one of the club’s smartest deals in recent years.
2. Giorgi Mamardashvili (£29 million)
Replacing a legend like Alisson Becker was always going to be a tall order, but Giorgi Mamardashvili has handled the challenge admirably. Signed from Valencia for £29 million, the Georgian goalkeeper has quickly proven himself a reliable and confident shot-stopper.
While Liverpool’s defensive issues have inflated the number of goals conceded, Mamardashvili’s individual performances have stood out. His reflex saves and calm presence under pressure suggest he could develop into one of the Premier League’s best keepers. For the price paid, Liverpool may have found a long-term successor at excellent value.
1. Hugo Ekitike (£79 million including add-ons)
Without question, the standout of Arne Slot’s transfer window has been Hugo Ekitike. The French forward joined Liverpool after an outstanding season at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he netted 22 goals in all competitions.
Since arriving at Anfield, Ekitike has made an instant impact, scoring six goals in 13 appearances and showcasing superb movement, composure, and finishing. At just 23 years old, he’s already emerging as the focal point of Liverpool’s attack — especially with Isak sidelined. His combination of power, technique, and confidence has made him a fan favourite and a beacon of hope in an otherwise turbulent campaign.
Final Thoughts
Arne Slot’s recruitment at Liverpool has been a mixed bag. While some signings like Ekitike and Mamardashvili have hit the ground running, others — including big-money names like Wirtz and Isak — are yet to justify their price tags.
With Liverpool’s form declining and the pressure mounting, the success or failure of these signings could ultimately define Slot’s legacy at Anfield. If he can stabilize the team and get his big names firing again, the Reds may yet turn their season around. But if results continue to slide, the same players meant to lead a new era could instead become symbols of what went wrong.
