Liverpool, in Arne Slot’s maiden campaign in the Anfield dugout, have all-but collected the 2024/25 Premier League title, haven’t they? The fact that Mohamed Salah is remaining on the red half of Merseyside beyond the summer is the icing on the cake
The talismanic Salah is the Reds’ go-to guy and having the Egyptian extend his contract is nothing but good news for those of a Liverpool persuasion. Concerns, however, over the respective futures of leadership duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.
Another summer of business is on the horizon for the 46-year-old tactician – who is commonly admired as one of the greatest managers in football – and his entourage and they, like the 19 other teams in the top flight, will be looking to reinforce their squad.
While it’s undoutedbly been a maiden season to remember, it would be remiss to suggest that they’re improvement-free. Taking outside noise into consideration, GIVEMESPORT have mustered Liverpool’s dream XI for the beginning of the 2025/26 campaign.
Goalkeeper + DefenceAlisson Becker, Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez
Unless something drastic happens between now and the end of the campaign, you can bet your bottom dollar that none other than Alisson Becker – widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Premier League history – will remain in between the sticks.
With Alexander-Arnold looking likely to leave for the lure of Real Madrid, Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen could occupy the right-back berth. A different mold to the Englishman, Frimpong’s blistering pace could benefit Liverpool’s right-hand side.
In terms of Slot’s two-man central defensive unit, you know what they say: if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it! And that’ll be Slot’s thinking when assessing his options in the heart of the backline ahead of the doors of the summer trading period swinging open.
Although there are concerns over Ibrahim Konate’s injury problems, there are more pressing issues at hand. When fit, the Frenchman is reliable as he is imposing – and his partnership with skipper van Dijk, who is imposing as he is talented, is a sight to behold.
On the Dutchman, it’s tricky to put your finger on a better Premier League signing in the last 10 years (don’t worry, we’ll come onto Salah later). It’s just a matter of whether, like Salah, he’ll dedicate more years of his career to the club in the coming months.
It’s a duad of changes for Liverpool in the full-back department: out goes the seasoned Andy Robertson and in comes Bournemouth hotshot Milos Kerkez. Arsenal-linked, it’s easy to see that the 21-year-old Hunagry international would be a brilliant fit for Slot’s well-drilled style of play.
Midfield
Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Florian Wirtz
It’s not unfair to say Ryan Gravenberch struggled under Jurgen Klopp. But, since Slot’s arrival in the summer, it’s been a completely different kettle of fish – and, rightfully so, the Dutchman is now widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in world football.
The beauty of Amsterdam-born Gravenberch is that he doesn’t mind mopping up and doing a lot of the dirty work in Liverpool’s engine room. He’s somewhat anchored the midfield, which, in turn, has allowed Alexis Mac Allister to roam into his natural position.
That being a more forward-thinking operator at the heart of the action, the World Cup winner’s combination of passing expertise and ability to be the tempo-dictating presence that Slot so desires is what makes Liverpool so difficult to beat. Games are won in midfield, after all.
And while Dominik Szoboszlai is not a bad choice by any stretch of the imagination, the addition of Florian Wirtz would boost their performances tenfold. A technician of the highest calibre, Liverpool – who have been labelled as contenders for his signature – should be aware that he’d cost a pretty penny.
Attack
Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo
It’s official: Liverpool, amid confusion over the seasoned winger’s future at the club, have confirmed that Salah will remain on the red half of Merseyside until 2027. Slot’s right-wing berth is expected to be held down by the 32-year-old until then.
And, looking at his exploits in the final third, why not? The ex-Fiorentina man has been a goalscoring revolution since he stepped through the door and has (at the time of writing) notched 243 strikes and a total of 111 assists in just shy of 400 outings.
But what Liverpool are crying out for is an out-and-out striker: step forward, Alexander Isak of Newcastle United. The enigmatic Swede, 25, will require an outlay north of £100 million, but he guarantees a) bucketloads of goals and b) experience in the top flight.
On the left, Slot has a conundrum to sort out. Luis Diaz, the aforementioned Jota and Cody Gakpo – who could be the highest in the pecking order – are all potential options. The latter, as evidenced by his recent showings, is the strongest of the trio.
