In a January 16, 2026, article from the Liverpool Echo titled “Liverpool cause Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer embarrassment with only one signing ‘excelling’,” the pair were forced to concede they got it wrong. Both had tipped Liverpool as overwhelming favorites to retain the crown following their 2024-25 triumph under Arne Slot, buoyed by a £446.5 million summer 2025 spending spree that included high-profile arrivals like Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and others.
Lineker described Liverpool’s form as “massively disappointing” on The Rest Is Football podcast, while acknowledging Ekitike as the standout performer among new signings—praising his goal contributions and adaptation despite broader attacking struggles. Shearer echoed the sentiment, noting the team’s 11-match unbeaten run (mostly draws) but highlighting how pundits unanimously backed the Reds pre-season: “I can’t remember seeing anyone say before a ball was kicked, the vast majority of us, all pundits said it’s Liverpool’s title.”
The embarrassment stems from Liverpool’s mid-table domestic position despite global successes (e.g., Club World Cup), with inconsistencies blamed partly on recruitment imbalances. Heavy investment in attack (Ekitike, Wirtz, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens) contrasted with defensive vulnerabilities exposed by injuries—Conor Bradley’s season-ending knee issue, Alexander Isak’s long-term leg problem (though forward), and concerns over Virgil van Dijk’s age (nearing 35) and Ibrahima Konaté’s contract limbo (final six months, no extension).
Critics argue the summer window prioritized flair over balance, leaving gaps in depth (e.g., no major defensive addition despite links to Marc Guéhi and Nico Schlotterbeck). Shearer also critiqued aspects like the Isak transfer handling from Newcastle, where the Swede “downed tools” to force a move, but Liverpool’s failure to capitalize fully on opportunities has fueled doubts.
Slot has defended the approach, emphasizing patience amid PSR compliance and youth integration, with internal solutions like Wataru Endo’s return addressing tactical frustrations (e.g., game management). Recent boosts include Bayern cooling on Schlotterbeck (favoring Liverpool) and quiet January stability—no panic buys, focus on current squad ahead of fixtures like Burnley on January 17.
Fans on X have mixed views: some call the recruitment “world class embarrassment” in hindsight, while others point to Ekitike’s excellence and unbeaten streak as positives. Lineker and Shearer’s U-turn underscores the fine margins in title races—early hype met mid-season reality.
As the window closes February 2, 2026, Liverpool’s plans pivot to summer targets (e.g., Schlotterbeck for defense), but the pundits’ climbdown highlights how recruitment missteps can humble even the most confident forecasts. The Reds remain in Champions League contention but face pressure to prove their big-money rebuild delivers domestically. (Word count: 852)
