The Premier League’s summer transfer window officially opened on June 1, and although it's been less than two weeks, there’s already been a flurry of completed deals and high-profile rumors nearing the finish line.
Liverpool could be poised to make the biggest splash of the summer if they follow through with a club-record move for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, but rival clubs aren’t standing still—they’ve been busy with strategizing summer additions too.
So, which new Premier League signings could pose the biggest threat to the Reds heading into next season?
Liam Delap to Chelsea
Ipswich Town may have been sent right back down following return to the Premier League after nearly 25 years, but one bright spot in the Tractor Boys’ season was Liam Delap, as the young striker scored 12 goals—exactly one-third of the team’s total tally of 36.
Delap’s breakout season has turned into a savvy piece of business for Ipswich. While relegation typically brings financial strain, the Blues are set to receive an estimated £30 million from his sale—offering some relief as they prepare for life back in the Championship.
As for Chelsea, it will be interesting to see how Delap will carve out a role in West London.
The club’s famously crowded attack still features the likes of Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke and others, making competition for minutes fierce.
Delap can distinguish himself through his trademark physicality—an attribute Chelsea’s attack noticeably lacked last season.
Aside from Jackson, no Chelsea striker ranked in the Premier League’s top 25 amongst attackers for duels won, whereas Delap impressively placed second overall—an incredible feat given the limited support he received from his Ipswich teammates.
Luckily for Liverpool, they boast the world’s premier physical center back in Virgil van Dijk, who effectively neutralized Delap last season, keeping the England international goalless in both of Ipswich’s matches against the Reds.
While Delap can expect far better service at Chelsea than he did at Ipswich, the club’s crowded forward line and the adjustment period that often comes with stepping up to a big club mean this transfer carries both promise and uncertainty.
It has the potential to pay dividends for Chelsea, but I’ll need to see it in action before I’m fully convinced.
Liverpool Panic Rating: 2/5
Matheus Cunha to Manchester United
Manchester United endured one of the most dreadful seasons in their history in ‘24/’25, but their continued appeal to top talents proves that Liverpool’s sworn enemies should unfortunately remain relevant for seasons to come.
United’s appeal among players looking to make a move was proven unmistakable as the Red Devils secured Matheus Cunha and are closing in on Bryan Mbuemo, who both finished in the Premier League’s top 10 goalscorers last season, for a combined fee of around £122.5 million.
Mbeumo in particular enjoyed a breakout campaign, scoring 20 league goals for the first time in his career at age 25, and appears ready to choose United over clubs with concrete interest such as Newcastle—a surprising decision after the Magpies just won the EFL Cup and secured Champions League football for next season.
Cunha, who is also far from his prime at 24 years old, has already made his mark as a player Liverpool will have to watch closely.
The Brazilian dazzled Anfield with a stunning curled strike during Wolves’ 2-1 loss to the Reds last season, beating his national teammate Alisson to score one of the campaign’s most memorable goals.
The move will be beneficial for both the new signings and Bruno Fernandes, as the United captain was far and away their best player last season, giving the Portuguese fresh options to take on his incisive passes next season.
Both Mbeumo and Cunha possess high work rates and could help United to establish a more consistent press applied by forwards, which they lacked last season; fortunately, Liverpool have demonstrated that they were capable of stifling presses applied by opponents last season, especially through Ryan Gravenberch’s incredible defensive flexibility.
It’s never fun seeing a fierce rival strengthen, and although the club will have much work to do to harness the full potential of these signings, United has a real chance to see a much improved attack with the additions of Mbeumo and Cunha.
Liverpool Panic Rating: 3/5
Rayan Cherki to Manchester City
If Liverpool need to be wary of two rising stars joining one Manchester club, the arrival of 21 year-old Rayan Cherki at the other is even more cause for concern.
It will be fascinating to see how Manchester City respond after what was, by their standards, a disappointing season—finishing third in the league.
The addition of the French international could prove to be a major step in their bid to reclaim the Premier League title, a trophy they’ve lifted four times in the past five seasons.
Cherki, whom City signed for around €40 million, shares several traits with Liverpool target Florian Wirtz—both are attacking midfielders known for their elite ball control, exceptional vision, and tactical versatility.
Considering that City secured Cherki for potentially a third of what Liverpool are projected to spend on Wirtz, the price gap could add extra pressure on the German star to deliver should he arrive at Anfield.
Sticking to the concrete, Cherki’s versatility—being able to operate both as a No. 10 and out wide—could pose early challenges for new Liverpool signing Jeremie Frimpong.
Like his predecessor Trent Alexander-Arnold, Frimpong is best known for his attacking prowess rather than his defensive strength.
If he shows signs of struggling with defensive duties and technical demands, Pep Guardiola could easily look to exploit that by deploying Cherki on the flank against Liverpool.
Cherki’s 19 goal contributions in 30 Ligue 1 matches last season are certainly impressive, but his lack of Premier League experience could be something Liverpool look to exploit.
A player like Wataru Endō—who effectively shadowed Kevin De Bruyne during Liverpool’s 2023/24 clash with Manchester City at Anfield—could be tasked with disrupting Cherki’s rhythm by pressuring him closely on the ball.
It’s hard to imagine that City will have as poor of a season as last year, and Cherki’s arrival at the Ethiad could propel the Citizens back into a proper title race with the Reds if he lives up to his billing.
Liverpool Panic Rating: 4/5