Liverpool have pulled off an incredible bargain that nobody noticed.
Richard Hughes is unlikely to look back on his time at Anfield with much credit. His recruitment strategy has left Liverpool with a squad that feels disjointed, raising serious questions about the balance between individual quality and collective needs.
The Reds have invested heavily in high-profile players, sometimes seemingly paying over the odds for names who have yet to justify their price tags. However, judging Hughes' legacy now would be premature. His signings must be assessed over the long term, particularly if the intention was to build a squad capable of competing for years to come.
Rebuilding takes time, but that makes recruitment even more important. Hughes wanted elite talent, yet signing the best players means little if they don't complement each other or fit the team's tactical requirements.
Liverpool's incredible signings
You can debate Florian Wirtz’s performances all you want, but one thing is clear: Liverpool have an incredibly young squad, and arguably one of the most exciting groups of young talent in world football.
The Reds might not be among Europe’s elite just yet, but that was never going to happen overnight. There are still a few key signings needed before this squad feels complete, and patience will be crucial.
That said, the potential is undeniable. Just look at Bradley Barcola tearing down the wing or Rio Ngumoha taking defenders on with his dazzling footwork. There is so much pace, creativity and raw ability in this team.
Then there’s Trey Nyoni, who has looked a level above since being trusted with a more regular place in the first-team setup. The foundations are there. Now Liverpool need to turn that potential into results.
The bargain of the summer nobody is talking about
There's been a lot of focus on Jeremy Jacquet. Even more focus on Bradley Barcola, who the Reds spent a lot of money on.
Ronald Araujo has been also catching the attention with his performances.
But arguably the biggest bargain of the summer was Victor Munoz. Liverpool signed him for £34m this summer. £34m in this market is absolutely nothing.
Yet the Reds managed to get a World Cup winner, an incredible hard-worker who is still extremely young. Munoz now has won an important penalty away at Newcastle, scored a brilliant goal against Nottingham Forest.
And then the equaliser against Brentford. In 428 minutes, Munoz has three important goal contributions. His performances are proof Liverpool pulled off the bargain of the summer and people need to start talking about him.