Liverpool must not replicate Man Utd after twice breaking British transfer record

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However, as Manchester United discovered during the 2001-02 season, this doesn't necessarily guarantee success.

The reigning Premier League champions sought to solidify their position at the top by securing a record-breaking move for Florian Wirtz in July, shelling out up to £116million for the Germany international.

This record was short-lived, however, with Alexander Isak finally making his Anfield move in a £125m deadline day deal from Newcastle United, as Arne Slot finally got his man in through the door.

Back in 2001, United were also the defending champions.

Sir Alex Ferguson's team had ended the season 10 points ahead of nearest rivals Arsenal, but eight league losses and a Champions League quarter-final exit left the Scottish manager resolved to bolster his squad.

First came Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was supposed to join United earlier but was delayed due to injury.

That's when United splashed out £28.1m on Lazio's Juan Sebastian Veron - the player who was expected to be the solution to their European woes as they aimed to build on their 1999 Champions League final triumph.

It's fair to say that the two signings had contrasting fortunes.

Van Nistelrooy finished the season as United's top scorer, netting 150 goals in all competitions over his five seasons at Old Trafford, but only managed to secure one league title and a couple of domestic cup victories.

Florian Wirtz joined from Bayer Leverkusen this summer(Image: 2025 Getty Images)

United set a precedent that Liverpool will be keen to avoid.

Rio Ferdinand was signed in 2002 and proved to be an undeniable success, with the centre-back securing six Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy during his decade-long tenure at Old Trafford.

Alexander Isak cost Liverpool £125million this summer(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)Article continues below

Veron, meanwhile, struggled to replicate his Serie A form in the Premier League.

His two-year stint wasn't as disastrous as some suggest, but United still decided to cut their losses with a £15m sale to Chelsea in 2003.

Liverpool have hit the ground running in their own title defence, although there have been a few questions raised about Slot's team despite three wins from three in the league.

Wirtz hasn't become a Premier League sensation yet either, despite promising flourishes, but perhaps he'll benefit from not having that record price tag looming over him after six long weeks.