Liverpool went all out in the transfer market following their Premier League title success under Arne Slot.
It seemed certain that after a £400m-plus spend in the 2025 summer transfer window, the Reds would be defending their crown this season.
However, what has instead transpired is Liverpool being forced to settle for potentially getting a top-four finish this term instead.
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There are a plethora of reasons why things have not gone to plan at Anfield, including the decline of Arne Slot.
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Xabi Alonso pictured during Real Madrid's La Liga match against Real Betis at the Bernabeu (Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto
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Meanwhile, though some summer signings have now started to come good, others are yet to get up to speed on Merseyside.
Paddy ‘The Baddy’ grades Liverpool signings
Speaking to BBC Sport, UFC fighter Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett graded all of the Reds’ recent additions.
Here is what he said about each player.
Florian Wirtz: “I’ll give him a B. Didn’t set the world on fire like everyone thought he would, but his performances have been very good. So yeah, I’ll give him a B.”
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Alexander Isak: “F, he’s been terrible lad. But that [his injury] goes towards it as well. At least an E, maybe an F. What’s he scored, two Prem goals? We signed him for like £130m.”
Jeremie Frimpong: “C. Obviously, he got injured, but when he’s been playing, he plays well.
Milos Kerkez: “I don’t think Milos has been as bad as everyone went on. He’s been getting a lot of stick but again, I’d give him a C, maybe a D, but I don’t think he’s been as bad as people go on.”
Hugo Ekitike: “A*. It’s A, definitely, he’s been brilliant lad. Putting the ball in the back of the net, and that’s what he signed him for.”
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Alexander Isak reacts with his hands on his head during Liverpool's Premier League match against West Ham United at the London Stadium
Photo by Izzy Poles – AMA/Getty Images
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Alexander Isak worry for Arne Slot
At present, Hugo Ekitike is stealing the show for Liverpool, most recently matching a Kenny Dalglish record.
As for Alexander Isak, he is out of action until March with an injury picked up against Tottenham.
When he does return, the Swede will give Slot a selection headache.
Isak can’t start through the middle ahead of Ekitike, who is Liverpool’s top goalscorer this term.
But playing him on the left instead of Florian Wirtz would hamper the connection between the German and the Reds’ current number nine.
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