I'm Really Disappointed by Liverpool Transfer Decision - They're Being Really Stupid

Former Liverpool star Ryan Babel has slammed the club's decision to sell Luis Diaz in the summer transfer window, calling it a "huge mistake" that has left the team struggling. Speaking on the FILTHY @ FIVE podcast, Babel highlighted how Diaz's departure disrupted Liverpool's rhythm, exacerbating their poor form in the 2025/26 season. The Reds have endured a dismal run of just three wins in 12 matches—their worst since the 1953/54 relegation season—placing manager Arne Slot under intense pressure, despite a recent unbeaten streak of five games across competitions.^[1]

Liverpool's summer dealings under sporting director Richard Hughes have come under fire. Despite Slot's wishes to keep Diaz, the club sanctioned his exit, a move Babel attributes to poor puzzle-fitting in the squad. The winger's absence has been felt keenly, with the team appearing diminished and still adjusting to major changes. Babel also noted Darwin Nunez's work ethic off the ball, which eased pressing duties for Mohamed Salah, suggesting further missteps in squad balance.^[1]

New signings have brought mixed results. Hugo Ekitike, arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt for $106 million, has shone with 11 goals in 24 matches, earning a B+ grade as Liverpool's best addition. However, high-profile acquisitions like Alexander Isak ($168 million from Newcastle) and Florian Wirtz ($157 million from Bayer Leverkusen) have disappointed. Isak has just three goals in 16 appearances and faces months sidelined by a leg injury, earning a D grade. Wirtz, graded C-, scored his first goal against Wolves but has struggled to justify his fee amid adaptation issues.^[2]

Slot expressed frustration over Isak's injury: “It’s a big disappointment for him and, as a result, for us,” while leaning on Ekitike's form. Liverpool eyes January moves, with interest in Antoine Semenyo (£65m release clause), though Manchester City leads the race. Names like Igor Thiago and Bradley Barcola circulate, but no deals are imminent. Mohamed Salah's future and contract situations for Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson add to uncertainties.^[3]

Babel's critique underscores a deeper structural issue: a disconnect between vision and execution, leaving fans questioning if Liverpool's transfer strategy is "really stupid."^[1] (Word count: 298)