Opinion: Liverpool's transfer business signals the true start of Arne Slot's Anfield revolution

With Trent Alexander-Arnold gone and Jeremie Frimpong arriving, Arne Slot is quietly dismantling Jürgen Klopp's chaos engine. Despite winning the Premier League in his first season, that success was more of a final chapter than a fresh start.

The squad Slot inherited was still largely Klopp's. But now, with targeted signings and key departures, Liverpool's transfer business signals the true beginning of Slot's Anfield revolution.

Liverpool celebrate their 24/25 Premier League title win. Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

Last summer, Slot was given the huge task of taking over from Klopp, who had stabilised the Reds during his nine-year stint with the club.

"We have to change from doubter to believer," said Klopp in his first Liverpool press conference.

The German went on to win the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup, and two League Cups during his time on Merseyside.

Now, just one year after his departure, Liverpool fans have watched Slot's first season in England end with a Premier League title win.

Nobody expected the Dutchman to pull off such a feat, with only four other managers having won the Premier League in their first season.

The side that Slot inherited was predominantly Klopp's, with only two signings made in his first transfer window at the Reds.

He oversaw the arrivals of Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa. However, neither player played a significant role in Liverpool's success last season.

Mamardashvili was loaned back to La Liga side Valencia for the 2024/25 campaign, while Chiesa featured in just six Premier League matches for the champions, totaling just 104 minutes.

Federico Chiesa made his first Premier League start against Brighton on May 19 2025. Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images 

Summer has not even officially begun, but Liverpool have already secured the signature of Jeremie Frimpong for £29.5 million and have been heavily linked with Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson were pivotal pieces to Klopp's Liverpool puzzle and helped the club lift seven trophies.

Alexander-Arnold broke into the first team during the 2016/17 season, earning Liverpool's Young Player of the Season award. That summer, Robertson arrived from Hull City for an initial £8 million fee.

Operating on opposite flanks, the two full-backs developed a formidable connection and arguably became the most effective pair of chance creators in world football, helping to define Klopp's era of success.

From the right-hand side, the Englishman has registered 64 assists and 18 goals in 259 Premier League appearances, while Robertson has provided 60 assists and 11 goals in 308 league matches.

Alexander-Arnold and Robertson with the Premier League trophy. Photo by Liverpool FC/Getty Images

But Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid, along with the potential signing of two new full-backs, marks a changing of the guard — signalling the end of an era and the beginning of a new one under Slot.

Slot's early moves in the market suggest that he has now been given the opportunity to make a team that suits his tactical identity.

Under Klopp, Liverpool thrived off chaos and their relentless pressing overwhelmed opponents but often left them exposed when trying to see out games.

However, Slot favours measured possession, positional discipline and calculated risk-taking, rather than relentless physical intensity.

Robertson, known for his boundless energy, thrived in Klopp's press-heavy system but often appeared less suited to the more controlled structure Slot is implementing.

Frimpong and Wirtz  playing alongside each other for Bayer Leverkusen. Photo by Jorg Schuler/Getty Images

The addition of technically gifted players like Frimpong, Wirtz and Kerkez suggests that the 46-year-old wants to move towards a more refined and composed approach where Liverpool can outthink teams instead.

Frimpong, known for his pace and intelligent attacking runs, offers width and dynamism on the right flank but also excels in tracking back, fitting Slot's emphasis on positional discipline and balance between attack and defence.

His former Bayer Leverkusen teammate Wirtz brings creativity and vision in midfield, with the ability to unlock tight defences through incisive passing and smart movement.

Kerkez is comfortable on the ball and capable of providing both defensive solidity and progressive attacking support and a player who can build-up play without sacrificing structure.

The changing of the fullbacks at Liverpool signals the start of a broader tactical transformation that Slot will look to shape in the seasons to come.