Liverpool have had their fair share of transfer flops over the years. However, they have also been able to bring in club altering talents on incredible deals. In this article, we look at three signings since the summer of 2018/19 that worked out very well for club and player.
Let’s get this started!
FABINHO (€45 million from AS Monaco) – While the Brazilian is potentially on the way out of the club, it cannot be denied he was a tremendous return on investment for Liverpool. His arrival was announced shortly after the Reds lost the Champions League Final to Real Madrid in 2018.
He came to the club as a 24 year-old from Monaco that was seen as the next piece in the evolution. He brought the spine to the midfield that could sit in front of defense and let the talented Liverpool forwards attack with free reign.
His arrival that summer also coincided with Alisson joining, thus forming the rock solid foundation this team would lean on to begin their silverware dominance. Fabinho has become one of the best defensive midfielders in the world since then.
He absolutely outplayed his price tag and the club can be credited for an astute piece of business.
THIAGO (€22 million from Bayern Munich) – When Thiago arrived late in the summer of 2020, it was seen as a coup. His age profile, he was 29 when signed, was a change of philosophy within the club.
The silky smooth Spaniard was joining the newly crowned Premier League Champions. His passing ability and composure on the ball was a big drawing factor for Klopp and his team.
Even though his time has been hampered by injuries, there has been no denying his class on the field. At the discount price Liverpool paid, Thiago has still provided enough value for the team. Strikes like this one in the Champions League remind us of that.
TAKUMI MINAMINO (€8.5 million from RB Salzburg) – The Japan international caught the eye of Liverpool by scoring against them at Anfield in the Champions League. He featured against the Reds twice before officially joining the side in January 2020.
While his playing time was limited during the majority of his time, he still made a habit of scoring big goals, particularly in the Domestic Cups.
He played in 55 matches for the Reds in all competitions scoring 14 goals and providing 3 assists. That is a very healthy return for a player that was never able to string consecutive appearances together.
The strength of the Liverpool attackers made it difficult for Minamino to push his way into the side further. He was always prepared for his chances though and often took them.
He left Liverpool last summer for a €15 million fee. So, he not only doubled his value for Liverpool, he produced key goals in big events. He should be remembered fondly for his brief stay at the club.
These 3 are only a handful of the great business done by the club in recent windows, and we hope to have a few more names added to this list in the future.