The latest Liverpool news as Arne Slot's side prepare for a return to Champions League football next week
Arne Slot and Florian Wirtz
Liverpool broke multiple records this summer transfer window
(Image: PA)
Former Chelsea star Michael Ballack believes Liverpool’s record-breaking summer spending does not automatically make them Champions League favourites.
Arne Slot’s side dominated headlines with a remarkable transfer window, setting multiple records in the space of just a few months. The Reds broke the British transfer record in June by signing Florian Wirtz for up to £116.5m, before surpassing that figure less than two months later with a £125m deal for Alexander Isak.
By the end of deadline day, Liverpool had also set a new record for the highest total spend by a single club in one transfer window, with the figure reaching almost £450m.
Ballack, a Premier League winner with Chelsea in 2009/10, says the signings are a clear signal of intent, but believes Liverpool still have work to do if they are to be considered the leading contenders in Europe.
He told SportBILD: "Liverpool were already among the favourites last season. Now their ambition has been underscored with the signings of players including Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak isn't expected to play 90-minutes this weekend against Burnley
"The investments are a clear statement of intent to win the Champions League. Nevertheless, Liverpool are not the ultimate contender to win the title."
Ballack continued: "Upgrading also brings with it high expectations. And what shouldn’t be underestimated is that a new hierarchy has to be formed within the team. This is always a process, and it can take time.
"The past has shown this. The best examples are Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, who, despite their investments, also took some time to win the Champions League."
The former Germany international also reflected on the Premier League’s dominance in attracting Europe’s top players. Wirtz was strongly linked with Bayern Munich this summer, a move that would have allowed him to remain in the Bundesliga, but opted instead for Liverpool.
Aside from the Reds’ record-breaking offer, Ballack believes players like Wirtz are now more tempted by the challenges of English football.
"But fundamentally, I’m concerned about something else," Ballack said. "Let’s take Wirtz as an example: does it make sense for him and his development to play in the Bundesliga for Bayern for another two or three years?
"Of course, he wins championships there. But is the Bundesliga still a challenge for him at the highest level? No, because the Bundesliga was overtaken by the Premier League years ago.
"That’s the reality. That’s why it’s no longer as attractive for the absolute top players. That’s why changes are needed.”
Liverpool’s Champions League campaign begins next week with a tough test at Anfield against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid. Before then, Slot’s men return to Premier League action on Sunday with a trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley.