£446m Investment Doesn't Guarantee Depth, Says Arne Slot Amid Liverpool's Struggles

Liverpool’s summer spending spree, which saw them splash £446m on high-profile signings like Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz, has been hailed as one of the most ambitious in club history. However, manager Arne Slot has sparked debate by criticizing the lack of squad depth, even as the Reds endure a challenging run of form. Following a 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, Slot revealed he had to make 10 changes to his starting lineup, relying heavily on inexperienced players due to injury concerns.

The loss marked the sixth defeat in their last seven games across all competitions, prompting scrutiny of his decision-making. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp questioned the approach, stating, “It was the wrong team. He picked a team that made it really difficult for himself.” Slot defended his choices, emphasizing that while the club’s financial investment was significant, the squad remains “thin” with only around 20 first-team players regularly available. He noted that key figures like midfielder Ryan Gravenberch have been pivotal, and their absences have exposed gaps in the defensive midfield role.

Injury woes and fixture congestion appear to be central to the issue. Though Liverpool’s injury list isn’t the longest in the Premier League—ranking ninth for cumulative days lost—they are third in total injuries this season with 18 cases. Slot highlighted that the impact of these injuries is amplified by the lack of reliable substitutes, particularly in crucial positions. “People think we have 25 players available, but we mainly have 20, and then there are four injuries,” he said, underscoring the strain of a packed schedule.

The Dutch manager’s remarks have reignited discussions about the effectiveness of Liverpool’s recruitment strategy. While the club’s spending has drawn comparisons to a “Galatico” approach, the departure of key players and the reliance on a limited squad have left them vulnerable. With a daunting run of matches against Aston Villa, Real Madrid, and Manchester City looming, Slot’s concerns may force a rethink in the January transfer window. The challenge now lies in balancing financial ambition with the practical realities of squad rotation and resilience in high-stakes fixtures.