With Luis Diaz joining Liverpool, we take a look at the Merseyside club’s big-budget signings and how they have fared.
The Colombian forward joined Liverpool in a late move and looks like an exciting prospect. But where does he rank amongst Liverpool’s other marquee signings?
Let’s take a look!
Top 10 Liverpool signings in terms of transfer expenses
#10 Andy Carroll – £35m
Andy Carroll signed for Liverpool from Newcastle United in 2011 for £35 million. The English forward signed with Luis Suarez and was touted to be the ‘next big thing’. He was anything but. While Luis Suarez became a megastar, Carroll just declined. He only scored 11 goals in 58 appearances (via FBref) in his time at Liverpool. Aside from his goal against Everton at Wembley, he never had much impact.
#9 Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – £35m
When Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain arrived from Arsenal in August 2017, he was on the brink of fulfilling his potential. Suffice to say, he’s still on the brink. Injuries at the wrong time have hampered his career and his impact on Liverpool. However, he had moments where he looked unbeatable but, those moments have been few and far between. Though Ox would disagree, he is never going to be more than a squad player. Regardless, when he hangs his boots, he will look fondly at his time at Anfield. We feel the same.
#8 Ibrahima Konate – £36m
Ibou Konate is teeming with potential. He is technical, mature, and reads the game very well. Not to mention his ability in the air. Though he looked uncomfortable in his opening games, he has settled in. Now, whenever he plays, he leaves onlookers impressed. In fact, Konate could even argue for a place in the starting line-up. He has also gelled well with van Dijk and, the former Leipzig player would love to learn from the best. Given playing time and the right guidance; he would surely be the best centre back in the world.
#7 Fabinho – £43.7m
Before Fabinho‘s arrival, Liverpool’s play looked unsure and it seemed, players were constantly looking over their shoulders. Liverpool were also bypassed easily, once they lost possession in the opponent’s half. Fabinho’s signing addressed these deficiencies. His presence in the midfield adds control and assurance to not only Liverpool’s midfield, but also to attack and the defence. It can also be argued, that his presence has facilitated the Trent-Henderson-Salah triad in the attack. If you are still unconvinced, just look at Liverpool’s record when he is absent or played out of position.
#6 Mohamed Salah – £43.9m
What can we say that hasn’t been said about this being? The Egyptian king Mohamed Salah signed for Liverpool way back in 2017. When Salah arrived at Anfield the Premier League clubs termed him as “Chelsea reject”. Thus, thankfully their rejection gave birth to an Anfield legend, who is now being recognized by many pundits as the best in the world at the moment.
Mo Salah has registered 148 goals for the Reds in only 229 appearances. The Egyptian surely deserves a hike in his pay as Liverpool fans await his contract extension.
Excellent signing.
#5 Diogo Jota – £45m
Diogo Jota‘s signing came as a surprise, but it has been a pleasant one to say the least. He was signed probably to provide cover for our forwards. But the Portuguese has broken our famed front three and has added a new dimension to the attack.
His finishing is impressive, his headers even more so. He is also very technical, hardworking and a model professional. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that his goal contributions, 27 goals and 3 assists in 42 appearances (via FBref) are simply magnificent. If Jota continues improving, the 25-year-old might just become the best in the world.
Michael Edwards might have done some voodoo to make this Liverpool signing.
#4 Luis Diaz – £50m
When Luis traded Porto’s blue for Liverpool’s red, it got us excited. Also, seeing him develop under Klopp and play alongside our famed forward line is a mouth-watering prospect. We hope he turns out be just as good (if not better) as our other forwards.
#3 Naby Keita – £52.75m
Naby Keita arrived in Liverpool with a lot of expectations but has yet to live up to them. The club has put a lot of faith in him and, he has the potential to be an elite midfielder to repay that trust. But so far, we are yet to see a consistent run of performances. Though the 26-year-old has the time it can be argued that he has been hampered by injuries. Naby Keita needs some performances under his belt as he might be running out of his goodwill.
#2 Alisson – £65m
A certain match in Kiev in 2018, necessitated a goalkeeper for the big occasions. Alisson is that and then some. He not only makes superhuman saves but also gives peace of mind to our defence to maintain a high line. Since his arrival in 2018, Liverpool have gone on and conquered the Champions League and the Premier League.
One of the best Liverpool signings of the Michael Edwards era.
Also, this…
#1 Virgil van Dijk – £75m
Virgil van Dijk is a titan. He can move mountains and displace oceans.
It might be an understatement still.
Liverpool will now be looking forward to work on extending stay for some of the Reds. Mainly, the Liverpool trio Salah, Mane & Firmino.
