Liverpool Sign O'Sullivan for Club Record Fee

By BBC Sport | Published January 17, 2026

Liverpool Football Club has shattered its transfer record by signing highly-rated midfielder Ronan O'Sullivan from Championship side Norwich City for a staggering £85 million – the highest fee ever paid by the Reds.

The 22-year-old Irish international, who has been dazzling in the second tier with 12 goals and 15 assists this season, underwent his medical at Anfield on Saturday morning. The deal, initially rumored at £70 million, escalated after a late bidding war involving Manchester City and Arsenal, with Liverpool activating O'Sullivan's release clause to secure the player.

A New Era for Liverpool's Midfield

Manager Arne Slot hailed the signing as a "game-changer," addressing the void left by Dominik Szoboszlai's departure to Bayern Munich last summer. "Ronan is a generational talent with vision, work rate, and Premier League quality already proven," Slot said in a club statement. "This investment signals our ambition to dominate domestically and in Europe."

O'Sullivan, a product of Norwich's academy, rose to prominence after a breakout 2024-25 campaign that earned him a senior Ireland debut. His versatility – capable of playing as a No. 8, 10, or even wide – makes him Slot's ideal midfield orchestrator alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.

Fan Reaction and Financial Implications

Anfield erupted in excitement on social media, with fans dubbing O'Sullivan "the next Gerrard." Pundits praised FSG's willingness to back Slot post-Klopp era, though some question the fee for a Championship player. Liverpool's wage bill rises, but Champions League revenue from last season cushions the blow.

O'Sullivan is expected to debut in the Merseyside Derby next weekend. Norwich reinvests in youth, while Liverpool eyes further signings before the window closes.

Key Facts:

• Fee: £85m (record beats £75m for Darwin Núñez)
• Contract: 5.5 years
• Previous Record: Virgil van Dijk (£75m, 2018)

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