Liverpool is facing its first serious stumble of the season, and despite a record-breaking transfer window, doubts have crept into Anfield. With €477 million spent on top-tier reinforcements, recent results have failed to reflect the magnitude of the investment. Captain Virgil van Dijk didn’t hide his frustration, delivering a blunt assessment: “We’ve lost quality.”

A record-breaking market, but no response on the pitch

The start under Arne Slot was flawless, with five straight wins in the Premier League, but the 2–1 loss to Crystal Palace marked the beginning of a slump that continued with further setbacks — a 1–0 defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League, and another 2–1 league loss to Chelsea.

These defeats not only erased their strong start but also cost them the league lead, now held by Arsenal, who sit one point ahead of the Reds. The situation is puzzling, especially considering that Liverpool was the club that spent the most during the summer transfer window. The arrivals of Alexander Isak (€145 million), Florian Wirtz (€125 million), and Hugo Ekitiké (€95 million) raised expectations sky-high. They were joined by lesser-known but still expensive additions such as Kerkez (€4.9 million), Frimpong (€40 million), and Leoni (€30 million).

Even so, the Dutch captain believes the team lost more than it gained: “The club did well bringing in new players, but we’ve lost a lot of quality that was very important over the past few years,” said Van Dijk. The defender was referring to the departures of key players like Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, Harvey Elliott, and Jarell Quansah, who have left gaps that have yet to be filled.

Slot looks for answers ahead of the derby

Pressure is mounting on Arne Slot, who will try to steady the ship this Sunday in a crucial home match against Manchester United at Anfield. However, the coach will be without Alisson Becker, who suffered a hamstring injury during the loss to Galatasaray. The Brazilian goalkeeper will be unavailable for at least two weeks, forcing newcomer Giorgi Mamardashvili, formerly of Valencia, to step into the starting role.

“Alisson isn’t training yet. It’s hard to say when he’ll return, but he won’t play this weekend or the next,” Slot confirmed in a press conference.

After facing United, Liverpool will take on Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League before traveling to face Brentford, as they aim to regain stability ahead of another European showdown against Real Madrid.

Van Dijk’s message rings loud and clear: money can’t buy everything. Despite their historic spending, the Reds are still searching for the identity and solidity that once made them one of the most feared teams in England and across Europe.