Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk’s £75m transfer from Southampton to Liverpool in January 2018 received a lot of attention at the time – partly because of the fee and partly because of the acrimony surrounding the move. transfer, when Saints accused The Kop of «going at night» with their pillar. More than six years later, this deal is remembered very differently, as one of the main reasons for Liverpool’s recent success.

Van Dijk settled immediately at Anfield and was quickly considered one of the best players in his position in the world. Van Djik spent 256 appearances as a leader for Jurgen Klopp’s side, providing leadership and stability at the heart of the defence. His goal in the Carabao Cup final last month further cemented his status as a club legend.

Mohamed Salah

Before Van Dijk there was another transformative contract. Mohamed Salah was signed from Roma in July 2017 for an initial fee of £36.9m, which could increase to £43.9m with add-ons. This was particularly significant as it represented a club record at the time, eclipsing the £35m spent on Andy Carroll over the previous six years.

Salah is a long-term target of Liverpool, the team believes he possesses the qualities the club needs. Edwards and his recruitment team were right as the Egyptian ace developed into one of the best strikers in the world. He contributed 205 goals and 89 assists after 335 appearances for The Kop.

Alisson

Alisson Becker cost £66.8 million in July 2018 – an attractive fee at the time to make him the most expensive goalkeeper of all time, before Chelsea spent money on Kepa Arrizabalaga a month later there.

The importance of having a goalkeeper who can comfortably use his feet and provide defensive support for a high back line is obviously helpful for Liverpool.

Sadio Mane

Liverpool have forged a smooth path between themselves and Southampton over the years, with Mane being just one of their many successful transfers. The Senegal international arrived after two impressive seasons for Saints and cost £34m in June 2016.

He left Liverpool in the summer of 2022 with a reputation as a club legend after contributing 120 goals and 48 assists in 269 appearances.

Andrew Robertson

Andy Robertson stands out from others on this list because Liverpool only paid Hull City £8 million for his signature in July 2017.

The Scotland international has established himself as one of the best and most consistent left-backs in world football. His partnership with Trent Alexander-Arnold on the other flank is a key feature of Liverpool’s play under Klopp.