£100 Million Deal After Wirtz? There’s Something Bigger at Play at Liverpool Right Now

Liverpool aims for dominance in the Premier League with planned signings of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, which could significantly enhance their starting XI. As punters consider betting on Liverpool's chances this season, the potential addition of key players signals their intent to challenge for the title, making them a strong contender in upcoming matches.

Liverpool won the 2019/20 Premier League title under Jurgen Klopp, resting on their laurels. Signings were made with the best intentions, but every addition ahead of the Reds' first ever Premier League title defence ultimately improved the squad rather than the starting XI.

Liverpool's starting XI was admittedly difficult to upgrade. Four of the back five (goalkeeper Allison included) were set in stone, the famous front three picked itself and the midfield, although rotated depending on the situation, was at its most balanced when Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho were selected together.

Nonetheless, the summer 2020 signings failed to change the status quo. Kostas Tsimikas was signed as an understudy to Andrew Robertson, a role he has ultimately failed to outgrow, Thiago Alcantara offered more control of possession in midfield but never proved himself to be a better fit for Klopp's tactics than the aforementioned trio, and Diogo Jota became Liverpool's 12th man - a great substitute to change the game, but not a superior starter to Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino or Mohamed Salah.

In the subsequent campaign, Manchester City came back stronger, Liverpool were overwhelmed by an injury crisis, and their title defence fell apart after Christmas. Misfortune played a key role, but maybe the Reds would've fared better had they recruited superstars rather than a supporting cast - players who would've taken the team to an even higher level.

Perhaps the Reds have learned their lesson, because their current and planned recruitment this summer is very clearly intended to change the dynamics and personnel of Arne Slot's strongest XI - not just bolster the fringes of his squad.

In one instance, this need has been bestowed upon them, with Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving for Real Madrid and Jeremie Frimpong being brought in to replace him. But Liverpool's pursuits of Florian Wirtz - who completed a medical on Friday - Alexander Isak, Marc Guehi and Milos Kerkez are by no means obligatory.

All are certainly important signings and address current weaknesses in the squad, yet they aren't absolute necessities either. The Reds could've bought a creative No.10 at any price-point, and used Dominik Szoboszlai to reasonable effect there at times last season. But they've sought out a £116.5m deal with Bayer Leverkusen for the most promising creative midfielder in the world right now.

And next on their agenda is Newcastle's Isak, with Ben Jacobs exclusively revealing on GIVEMESPORT that the Reds are prepared to pay £100m plus add-ons to sign him this summer. This, during an era in which teams have challenged for and even won titles without a recognised centre-forward. Liverpool would be forgiven for thinking Salah can continue doing the heavy lifting in the goals department after agreeing a new contract until 2027.

Instead, they want to sign the striker who has only been outscored across the last three Premier League seasons by two players - Salah, his potential future accomplice in attack, and Manchester City's Erling Haaland. These aren't signings to give Slot more options - these are two players who will expect to be central figures in the starting XI and provide the spine of Liverpool's attack for many years to come.

These are formative additions, and the same applies to Frimpong and Kerkez. Full-backs and how they are utilised tend to define the intentions and mentality of modern teams. While Frimpong was a necessity, the addition of Kerkez is a sign of ruthless intent from Slot; he looks set to replace Atletico Madrid-linked Robertson , one of the best and most decorated defenders in Liverpool's history, yet one that looked a little past his best during Slot's first campaign.

Liverpool have always been among the Premier League's savviest recruiters post-Brendan Rodgers. Salah, Mane, Wijnaldum, Fabinho and Robertson all proved to be inspired signings that upped their games at Anfield. Likewise, while Alisson and Virgil van Dijk arrived for much larger, record-breaking fees respective to their positions, they were evidence of the Reds' ability to back the right horses at the right time.

But Wirtz and Isak feel like something different. They aren't shrewd punts or signings inspired by gaps in the data, showing value that others might have missed. They are simply the best options around for the positions Liverpool fall short in. They are statements of intent to not only retain the Premier League title, but compete for it for the foreseeable future. They're signings to establish long-term dominance.

With Manchester City rebuilding after the worst season of the Pep Guardiola era, and Arsenal perennially wedged into the role of runner-up, the conditions are right for Liverpool to become the dominant stand-out force in the Premier League, and their transfer policy this summer suggests an awareness of that. It also suggests a recognition that last season was a much weaker Premier League and this time around, competition will be more intense in the title race.

But should all of Liverpool's intended signings come off, it will be hard to look too far past them. Front-footedness in the transfer market this summer could help them create a dynasty.

A look at Liverpool's aggressive approach in the transfer market this summer with major deals lined up for top players.

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