In the summer of 2023, Liverpool underwent a significant overhaul of their midfield, spending around £150m to bring in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo. This transformative period followed a disappointing campaign where Jurgen Klopp’s side fell short of Champions League qualification for the first time in eight years.
As the dust settled on a chaotic 4-4 draw with Southampton on the final day of the season, Klopp wasted no time signaling the need for a squad rebuild. Speaking shortly after the game, Klopp acknowledged the necessity of a “busy summer” to address glaring weaknesses in his team, particularly in midfield.
A Midfield in Decline
Liverpool’s midfield had become a major concern, with injuries and aging players slowing the team’s once-famous intensity. Long-standing stalwarts like Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keïta all departed that summer, leaving significant gaps to fill. The need for fresh talent was clear, and the club cast a wide net in search of reinforcements.
Liverpool explored deals for players like Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount, Matheus Nunes, Khephren Thuram, and Manu Koné. However, negotiations with Southampton for Romeo Lavia and Brighton for Moisés Caicedo fell through, forcing the club to adapt its approach.
The Arrival of Alexis Mac Allister
The first domino to fall was Alexis Mac Allister. Signed for a modest £35m due to a release clause in his Brighton contract, the World Cup winner was officially unveiled on June 8. Liverpool’s recruitment team had been tracking the Argentine midfielder even before his breakout performances in Qatar, where he helped guide Argentina to glory.
Despite some initial doubts about his readiness for elite-level football, Mac Allister’s performances at Brighton—where he played a pivotal role in securing a top-six Premier League finish—cemented his place on Liverpool’s radar. The club’s long-standing relationship with his agent, Juan Gemili, dating back to the signing of Philippe Coutinho in 2013, smoothed negotiations.
Mac Allister’s versatility and experience—he had amassed nearly 160 career appearances by the summer of 2023—made him a perfect fit for Liverpool’s system. His signing was hailed as a bargain compared to his Argentina teammate Enzo Fernández, who had joined Chelsea for £105m just months earlier.
Dominik Szoboszlai: A Last-Minute Coup
While Mac Allister’s move had been months in the making, the acquisition of Dominik Szoboszlai was more opportunistic. The Hungarian midfielder had a £60m release clause in his RB Leipzig contract that was set to expire on June 30, leaving Liverpool with a narrow window to act.
Initially, Liverpool had considered signing Mason Mount, but Chelsea’s £60m valuation proved prohibitive. Szoboszlai, with his age, versatility, and potential, emerged as a more attractive option. Klopp received glowing endorsements about Szoboszlai’s character and talent, including input from Erling Haaland, a close friend of the player.
After swift negotiations with Szoboszlai’s representatives, Liverpool triggered the release clause just before the deadline, securing his services. The midfielder arrived in Merseyside ready to embrace his new club, even learning the words to “You’ll Never Walk Alone” during his flight to Liverpool.
The Final Pieces: Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo
With the additions of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, Liverpool turned their attention to completing their midfield rebuild. Ryan Gravenberch, a highly-rated young midfielder from Bayern Munich, was brought in to add depth and potential for the future. Meanwhile, the experienced Wataru Endo arrived to provide leadership and defensive stability in the middle of the park.
Reflecting on the Summer
Liverpool’s summer rebuild marked a turning point, addressing the issues that had plagued the team during the 2022/23 season. While some questioned the high price tags—Jörg Schmadtke, Liverpool’s short-term sporting director, initially felt £60m for Szoboszlai was excessive—those doubts quickly faded as the new signings made an immediate impact.
By the end of the transfer window, Liverpool had successfully revitalized their midfield, blending youthful promise with seasoned quality. The £150m overhaul not only strengthened the squad but also reignited hopes of a return to the top of English and European football.
