Liverpool began the defence of their Premier League crown with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield.
It was an emotional evening for supporters, who united before kick-off to remember Diogo Jota, and a testing one for the champions as they adjusted to a squad reshaped by a busy transfer window.
The Reds have seen eight senior players depart this summer, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez and Jarell Quansah among the names to move on. Ben Doak’s £25 million switch to Bournemouth confirmed this week was the latest departure.
In their place Liverpool have already brought in eight new arrivals, four of which made their competitive debuts from the start against Bournemouth – Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.
Giovanni Leoni was also unveiled before kick-off following a £26 million move from Parma, while £29 million goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili took his place on the bench. The club further strengthened their goalkeeping department with Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman, and remain active in the market with interest in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi and Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.
For Alisson Becker, who marked his 300th appearance for Liverpool in Friday’s win, the sheer scale of turnover is something that must be acknowledged as the champions find their rhythm.
“I think it’s hard. Not many people talk about the changes we had in the team. Everybody’s said how good our team is becoming with new players coming in, but nobody talks about the challenge that this is. It is a big challenge.”
The Brazilian goalkeeper reflected on how last season’s transition felt smoother due to continuity among the players despite a change in manager.
“Last season we had the challenge of changing manager, but you keep the players so you know each other, you just have to keep the same way of playing. The manager was smart in the way he did that and also implementing new things, it was easy for us to understand.”
Becker was swift in his praise of the players to come in, but underlined what it means to wear a Liverpool shirt and the expectation upon those at the club.
“We have big goals and big targets for this season. That is to fight for the title again, not only for the Premier League but for the other competitions, because this is the standard of Liverpool FC.”
With just under two weeks left of the transfer window, further movement in and out of Anfield seems likely. Arne Slot’s side now turn their attention to Newcastle United, who they face at St James’ Park on August 25.
