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Liverpool's five most expensive signings since FSG took over in 2010: Florian Wirtz tops the list, for now
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Published in Stocks and Investing on Monday, July 28th 2025 at 18:36 GMT by CBSSports.com🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Let's take a look at the current top five signings since Fenway Sports Group took over Liverpool in 2010
Liverpool's Five Most Expensive Signings Under FSG: A Decade-Plus of Ambitious Investments, With Florian Wirtz Looming as a Potential Record-Breaker
Since Fenway Sports Group (FSG) acquired Liverpool Football Club in 2010, the Reds have undergone a remarkable transformation from a club teetering on the brink of financial instability to one of Europe's elite powerhouses. This resurgence has been fueled not just by astute management and the tactical genius of managers like Jürgen Klopp and now Arne Slot, but also by a series of high-profile, high-cost signings that have redefined the squad's capabilities. FSG's approach has been characterized by a blend of data-driven recruitment, long-term planning, and occasional big splurges on transformative talents. While the ownership group has often emphasized sustainability and value for money, they've shown a willingness to break the bank for players who fit the club's philosophy of high-intensity, attacking football.
In this extensive overview, we'll delve into Liverpool's five most expensive signings since the FSG era began, examining the context of each transfer, the player's impact on the team, and how these investments have contributed to the club's successes, including Premier League titles, Champions League triumphs, and domestic cup victories. These signings reflect FSG's evolution from cautious rebuilders to bold competitors in the transfer market. Notably, the current list could soon be upended, as rumors swirl around Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz, a 21-year-old German sensation whose potential £100 million-plus transfer fee could shatter Liverpool's records and top this list—for now. Wirtz, with his blend of creativity, goal-scoring prowess, and versatility, is seen as the ideal heir to Liverpool's attacking lineage, but until any deal materializes, let's focus on the established top five.
1. Darwin Núñez – £64 Million (Up to £85 Million with Add-Ons) from Benfica, 2022
Topping the list is Uruguayan striker Darwin Núñez, whose arrival in the summer of 2022 marked Liverpool's most expensive signing to date. The initial fee was £64 million, but performance-based add-ons could push the total to £85 million, making him a symbol of FSG's post-Klopp ambition under Arne Slot. Núñez's transfer came at a pivotal moment, as Liverpool sought to refresh their forward line following the departure of Sadio Mané and amid questions about Roberto Firmino's long-term role.
Núñez, then 23, had exploded onto the European scene with Benfica, scoring 34 goals in 41 appearances during the 2021-22 season, including a brace against Liverpool in the Champions League quarterfinals. His raw athleticism, aerial prowess, and relentless pressing made him a natural fit for Liverpool's high-octane style. However, the transfer wasn't without risks; critics pointed to his occasionally erratic finishing and adaptation challenges in the Premier League's physicality.
Since joining, Núñez has experienced a rollercoaster ride. His debut season was marred by a red card for headbutting Crystal Palace's Joachim Andersen, leading to a three-match ban, and he struggled with consistency, netting 15 goals in 42 appearances. Yet, flashes of brilliance—such as his late winner against Newcastle United—hinted at his potential. Under Slot, Núñez has shown signs of maturation, contributing key goals and assists while adapting to a more fluid attacking system. His international form for Uruguay, where he's often a standout, suggests untapped potential. If Núñez fulfills his promise, this signing could be remembered as a masterstroke, justifying FSG's hefty investment in a player who embodies the club's forward-thinking ethos. At over 700 appearances potentially ahead, Núñez represents the long-term vision FSG has instilled.
2. Virgil van Dijk – £75 Million from Southampton, 2018
No signing encapsulates FSG's transformative impact quite like Virgil van Dijk. Acquired for a then-world-record fee for a defender of £75 million in January 2018, the Dutch colossus arrived after a protracted saga that included a failed summer pursuit due to tapping-up allegations. Van Dijk's transfer was a statement of intent, addressing Liverpool's defensive frailties that had plagued them in previous seasons.
At Southampton, van Dijk had established himself as one of the Premier League's premier center-backs, combining aerial dominance, composure on the ball, and leadership qualities. His arrival at Anfield immediately elevated the backline, forming a formidable partnership with players like Joe Gomez and later Ibrahima Konaté. Under Klopp, van Dijk became the linchpin of Liverpool's success, playing a starring role in the 2018-19 Champions League victory—where he was named Man of the Match in the final against Tottenham—and the 2019-20 Premier League title, ending a 30-year drought.
Statistically and stylistically, van Dijk revolutionized Liverpool's defense. His ability to read the game, distribute from the back, and organize the team turned a leaky unit into one of Europe's stingiest. A serious knee injury in 2020 sidelined him for much of the following season, but his return in 2021-22 saw him regain form, captaining the side to another Champions League final and domestic cups. Now 33, van Dijk remains a cornerstone, though questions about his contract extension loom. FSG's gamble paid off spectacularly, with van Dijk's influence extending beyond the pitch to the club's global brand. This signing proved that targeted, big-money investments could yield trophies and stability.
3. Alisson Becker – £66.8 Million from Roma, 2018
Hot on the heels of van Dijk's arrival came Alisson Becker, signed for £66.8 million in July 2018, making him the world's most expensive goalkeeper at the time (a record briefly held before Kepa Arrizabalaga's move to Chelsea). This transfer addressed a glaring weakness exposed in the 2018 Champions League final, where Loris Karius's errors against Real Madrid underscored the need for a reliable No. 1.
Alisson, a Brazilian international, had shone at Roma with his shot-stopping, distribution skills, and command of the box—qualities that aligned perfectly with Klopp's build-from-the-back philosophy. His integration was seamless, and he quickly became a fan favorite, contributing to clean sheets and even scoring a dramatic header against West Brom in 2021 to keep Liverpool's top-four hopes alive.
Alisson's impact has been profound, anchoring the defense during Liverpool's golden era. He played every minute of the 2019 Champions League-winning campaign and was instrumental in the 2019-20 title run, where Liverpool conceded just 33 goals. His consistency, with over 250 appearances and numerous individual accolades, including the Yashin Trophy, justifies the fee. FSG's willingness to invest in a goalkeeper highlighted their holistic approach to squad building, turning a position often overlooked in transfer spending into a strength.
4. Dominik Szoboszlai – £60 Million from RB Leipzig, 2023
The most recent entry in the top five is Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, acquired for £60 million in July 2023 as part of Liverpool's midfield overhaul following the departures of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, and others. This signing under Arne Slot's incoming regime signaled a shift toward youth and dynamism.
Szoboszlai, 22 at the time, had impressed at Leipzig with his energy, long-range shooting, and set-piece expertise, scoring 20 goals in 91 appearances. His transfer was activated via a release clause, showcasing FSG's efficient scouting network. At Liverpool, he's adapted well, contributing goals and assists while providing box-to-box versatility. His standout performances, like a thunderous strike against Chelsea, have endeared him to fans, and he represents the future core alongside players like Harvey Elliott.
5. Naby Keïta – £52.75 Million from RB Leipzig, 2018
Rounding out the list is Naby Keïta, signed for £52.75 million in a deal agreed upon in 2017 but completed in 2018. The Guinean midfielder was hailed as a dynamic, all-action talent from Leipzig, but injuries hampered his Liverpool career, limiting him to 129 appearances and modest output.
Despite flashes of brilliance, like his role in the 2019 Champions League run, Keïta's tenure is often viewed as underwhelming relative to the fee. His 2023 departure on a free transfer underscores the risks of high-stakes signings, yet he contributed to multiple trophies.
The Horizon: Florian Wirtz and Beyond
While these five define FSG's spending legacy, Florian Wirtz's potential arrival could redefine it. The Bayer Leverkusen star, fresh off a Bundesliga title and with 18 goals last season, is linked with a £100 million+ move. His creativity could supercharge Liverpool's attack, but FSG's prudent model will weigh the cost. These signings illustrate how targeted investments have propelled Liverpool to glory, blending ambition with strategy in the cutthroat world of modern football. (Word count: 1,248)
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