Liverpool Set to Spend Another £170m on Three Players After Jeremie Frimpong Transfer

Liverpool Football Club appear ready to make a serious statement of intent in the transfer market this summer.

With the £34 million deal for Jeremie Frimpong reportedly on the verge of being finalised, the Reds are far from finished.

New reports from sources close to the club suggest Liverpool are prepared to splash a further £170 million on three high-profile targets ahead of the 2025/26 season.

With the aim of restoring themselves to the summit of English and European football, Liverpool’s aggressive strategy indicates a new era under their yet-to-be-confirmed head coach, following Jürgen Klopp’s departure.

This article breaks down the potential signings, the reasons behind such heavy investment, and how these moves could reshape Liverpool’s squad and fortunes in the coming years.

A New Era Dawns at Anfield

Liverpool’s summer rebuild begins at a pivotal time. The post-Klopp transition could have destabilised a less well-run club, but the Merseyside giants are demonstrating that they mean business.

The club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), long accused of frugality in the transfer market, appear ready to sanction a major spending spree in line with their long-term vision and the expectations of supporters.

Jeremie Frimpong’s imminent arrival from Bayer Leverkusen is the first major step.

The Dutch international, fresh off a sensational Bundesliga-winning season under Xabi Alonso, offers dynamism, pace, and attacking prowess down the right flank.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially shifting into a full-time midfield role — something hinted at repeatedly during the 2024/25 campaign — Frimpong’s addition makes both tactical and strategic sense.

But while Frimpong is a marquee signing in his own right, the news that Liverpool plan to spend another £170 million on three additional players suggests a desire not just to compete, but to dominate.

Who Are Liverpool Targeting?

Sources close to Anfield indicate that Liverpool are lining up a midfielder, a forward, and a central defender to complete their major business this summer. Let’s look at the three names most heavily linked.

1. João Neves (Benfica) – Estimated Fee: £60 million

Liverpool’s midfield saw significant changes last summer with the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endō.

Yet despite the upgrades, there remains a sense that the club needs a true defensive midfielder to shield the backline and dictate tempo.

João Neves, the 20-year-old Portuguese sensation from Benfica, fits that bill perfectly. Often compared to players like Marco Verratti and Thiago Alcântara, Neves combines bite and tenacity with elegance and intelligence.

His performances in the Primeira Liga have already made him a fan favourite and a national team regular.

What sets Neves apart is his maturity and consistency.

He rarely misplaces a pass, reads the game superbly, and is fearless in challenges. Benfica are reportedly reluctant to sell, but a bid in the region of £60 million could test their resolve — especially if Liverpool include performance-based incentives.

If secured, Neves would be a long-term solution in the ‘number six’ role and allow more freedom for Mac Allister and Szoboszlai to contribute creatively.

2. Johan Bakayoko (PSV Eindhoven) – Estimated Fee: £45 million

Another exciting talent reportedly on Liverpool’s radar is Johan Bakayoko, the Belgian winger who has been lighting up the Eredivisie with PSV.

After a breakout season in 2023/24, Bakayoko continued his rise with an even better 2024/25, registering double figures in goals and assists and proving to be a nightmare for full-backs.

Liverpool’s attack has long been built around explosive wide players like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané.

While Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota have stepped up at times, injuries and inconsistency have hampered the frontline.

With Salah turning 33 next year and interest from Saudi Arabia not waning, the club is wisely planning for the future.

Bakayoko, just 22, possesses the raw pace, dribbling ability, and creativity to eventually take over that right-wing berth.

Reports suggest that Liverpool scouts have watched him extensively, and personal terms would not be an issue. PSV’s asking price is around £45 million — steep, but reflective of his potential and current ability.

In Bakayoko, Liverpool would be securing a player capable of emulating Salah’s impact while also being able to develop under minimal pressure in the short term.

3. Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP) – Estimated Fee: £65 million

Defensive reinforcements are also high on Liverpool’s agenda. With Joel Matip’s departure, Ibrahima Konaté’s injury issues, and question marks over Joe Gomez’s consistency as a centre-back, a new top-class defender is essential. Virgil van Dijk, still elite, is now 33 and cannot carry the load alone.

Enter Gonçalo Inácio — the 22-year-old Portuguese centre-back from Sporting CP.

Left-footed, technically excellent, and calm under pressure, Inácio has been compared to Aymeric Laporte in terms of style but boasts even more pace and aggression.

He’s also a ball-playing centre-back, something crucial to Liverpool’s build-up play.

Inácio’s composure allows him to resist high presses and start attacks from the back. Moreover, his ability to slot in as a left-back in a three-man defence makes him tactically versatile.

Sporting are reportedly demanding his full release clause — around £65 million — but Liverpool are known to value him highly and could negotiate structured payments.

If secured, he could partner Van Dijk immediately and eventually become the Dutchman’s long-term successor.

A Tactical and Strategic Overhaul

The potential acquisitions of Neves, Bakayoko, and Inácio signal a shift in Liverpool’s strategy.

The club is no longer looking solely at short-term fixes, but at long-term succession planning. All three targets are under 23, possess elite potential, and fit the club’s high-intensity, pressing style.

In midfield, Neves would anchor a more athletic and technical trio. In attack, Bakayoko could rotate with or even replace Salah depending on future developments. In defence, Inácio brings balance and progression.

Moreover, these signings — in conjunction with Frimpong’s arrival — would give Liverpool greater tactical flexibility.

They could line up in a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, or even mirror Bayer Leverkusen’s 3-4-3 system depending on the opposition.

With Frimpong and Inácio able to operate in a back three setup, and Neves comfortable in double pivots, the tactical options are almost endless.

The Financial Picture

Spending £204 million in one window (Frimpong + three other targets) would be a major statement — especially for a club often seen as prudent with finances. But several factors help explain this willingness to spend:

• Outgoing Transfers: Liverpool are expected to offload several players, including Nat Phillips, Kostas Tsimikas, Caoimhin Kelleher, and possibly even Darwin Núñez or Luis Díaz if major offers arrive. These could generate £70–90 million.
• Wage Savings: The departures of Matip, Thiago, and others will significantly reduce the wage bill.
• Increased Revenues: Liverpool’s commercial growth, Champions League qualification, and expanded stadium capacity boost financial flexibility.

In short, this spending is ambitious but sustainable.

Potential Starting XI with the New Signings

Here’s what Liverpool’s lineup could look like with the new additions:

Formation: 4-3-3 / 3-4-3 Hybrid

GK: Alisson
DEF: Frimpong – Konaté – Inácio – Robertson
MID: Neves – Mac Allister – Szoboszlai
ATT: Bakayoko – Gakpo – Jota

Bench options would include: Gravenberch, Elliott, Alexander-Arnold (in midfield), Bajčetić, Diaz/Núñez (if retained), Quansah, and Endō.

This depth and flexibility would rival any top side in Europe.

What It Means for the Premier League

Liverpool’s intent to rebuild aggressively could tilt the balance in the Premier League title race.

Manchester City remain the gold standard, but Pep Guardiola’s squad may be entering a subtle transition. Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, have improved massively, but still lack consistency.

Manchester United and Chelsea are rebuilding, while Newcastle and Tottenham remain just outside the elite.

If Liverpool pull off all four signings (Frimpong + three), they would arguably possess the most balanced and dynamic squad in the league — combining experience, hunger, and youth.

Moreover, such ambition would reenergize the fanbase, attract new sponsorships, and send a message to potential recruits: Liverpool are back in business.

Final Thoughts: The Time Is Now

The departure of Jürgen Klopp could have marked the end of an era and the start of a slow decline. Instead, Liverpool seem determined to transform it into a launching pad for the next phase of glory.

With Jeremie Frimpong almost signed, and £170 million reportedly set aside for João Neves, Johan Bakayoko, and Gonçalo Inácio, the message is clear: Liverpool are planning for dominance, not mere competitiveness.

Whether all three additional signings are finalised remains to be seen — the transfer window can be unpredictable. But one thing is certain: Liverpool are aiming higher than they have in years.

If even two of these players arrive, coupled with Frimpong’s energy and experience, the Reds will be a force to be reckoned with — in England and beyond.

This could be the dawn of Liverpool 2.0 — new faces, same ambition, and a burning desire to return to the top of world football.