Stunning Liverpool XI for 2025–26 Premier League Title Defence Featuring Four New Signings

Liverpool are set to begin the 2025–26 Premier League campaign as defending champions, but who will be the key figures in their pursuit of back-to-back titles?

Arne Slot stuck with his most reliable starting XI during Liverpool’s title-clinching victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Alisson Becker retained his place in goal, with a back four of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson. In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai formed the central trio, while Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo led the attack.

There had been some recent concerns that Liverpool might need to overhaul a significant portion of their outfield lineup for the upcoming season. However, contract renewals for Van Dijk and Salah in April have helped to alleviate those fears.

The club is now waiting to see what decision Trent Alexander-Arnold will make regarding his future. Any signings made after that – potentially including two reinforcements in crucial areas – will likely serve to strengthen an already solid core rather than rebuild from scratch.

With the summer transfer window approaching its end, fans are eager to see what Liverpool’s ideal XI might look like as they aim to defend their Premier League crown in 2025–26.

GK – Alisson

Liverpool experienced a relatively quiet first summer transfer window under Arne Slot, with their most notable acquisition being Giorgi Mamardashvili – though his arrival was postponed until July.

The Georgian goalkeeper has spent the current season on loan at Valencia but is expected to return to Liverpool in the summer. Meanwhile, Caoimhin Kelleher seems poised to depart the club in search of more consistent first-team football.

Ironically, Mamardashvili may soon face the same challenge that has hindered Kelleher’s progression – limited playing time despite his evident potential to compete for the number one spot.

Alisson remains Liverpool’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper and is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. Regardless of the club’s long-term faith in Mamardashvili, and despite the 24-year-old’s openness about not wanting to sit on the bench, the position remains firmly in the Brazilian’s hands.

Though Alisson has dealt with injury setbacks this season, he is expected to remain Liverpool’s primary goalkeeper whenever fit, maintaining his influential role between the posts.

RB – Jeremie Frimpong

Liverpool have enjoyed stability at right-back for several years, with Alexander-Arnold firmly established as the first-choice in that position. Since 2018, he has been the regular starter whenever fit.

However, this situation appears to be on the verge of a significant shift, with multiple sources suggesting that a free transfer to Real Madrid is virtually complete for the England international.

The emotional impact of a potential title celebration at Anfield might influence Alexander-Arnold’s decision, but if it doesn’t, Liverpool will be left needing a replacement.

Conor Bradley could be promoted into a more prominent role, yet it’s likely the club will explore options in the transfer market to reinforce the right-back position.

One potential target is Frimpong, who has flourished at Bayer Leverkusen in recent seasons. Nonetheless, the landscape in Germany could change dramatically if Xabi Alonso is lured away by Real Madrid.

Should Alonso leave Leverkusen, it might trigger the departure of several key players. In that scenario, Frimpong could be tempted to move—especially with a €40 million release clause in his contract.

Frimpong is known for his attacking prowess from right-back. Typically playing as a wing-back in a three-man defensive setup, he fits the mould of Liverpool’s preference for offensive contributions from that role.

While Frimpong and Alexander-Arnold aren’t identical in style, a transitional period would be expected. Still, at 24, Frimpong represents an appealing prospect for Liverpool.

CB – Dean Huijsen

Although Van Dijk has agreed to a contract extension, Liverpool are still expected to pursue a new centre-back during the summer transfer window, particularly as uncertainty grows around Konate’s future.

Konate is approaching the final year of his deal and has been linked with a potential move to Paris Saint-Germain, his hometown club. As a result, Liverpool are actively exploring alternatives for the centre-back position.

Among those under consideration is Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, while another name in the frame is Bournemouth’s Huijsen.

Interest in both players is expected to be intense. Huijsen is available through a £50 million release clause, which has also drawn attention from Chelsea and several other clubs.

CB – Virgil van Dijk

Of the three Liverpool players who entered the season in the final year of their contracts, Van Dijk always appeared the most likely to commit to an extended stay.

Since taking over the captaincy following Jordan Henderson’s departure in 2023, Van Dijk has delivered another impressive campaign in defence.

While Liverpool will understandably be planning for a long-term successor as Van Dijk approaches his 34th birthday in July, any future replacement would greatly benefit from learning under the guidance of the current skipper.

Moreover, Van Dijk is now reportedly the highest-paid defender in Europe thanks to his new deal, further reinforcing the expectation that he will remain a regular fixture in the starting lineup next season.

LB – Milos Kerkez

Liverpool had identified the need to strengthen the left-back position well before the January transfer window opened, with plans already in motion for next season.

Andy Robertson has experienced a dip in performance this campaign, and although he was once a standout player, the club is unlikely to consider him a reliable first-choice option going forward.

Since September, TEAMtalk has consistently linked Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez with Liverpool, noting that his name has climbed steadily up the club’s list of targets.

Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, played a key role in bringing Kerkez to the Premier League during his time at Bournemouth. While there is strong competition for the player, Liverpool currently appear to be leading the chase.

Kerkez is valued at around £45 million and, at just 21 years old, would represent a long-term investment for the Merseyside club.

CM – Ryan Gravenberch

Liverpool had hoped to bring in Martin Zubimendi last summer, but the midfielder chose to remain at his boyhood club, Real Sociedad.

Rather than pursuing an alternative signing, Arne Slot placed greater trust in Ryan Gravenberch, who had only made 12 Premier League starts during his first season under Jurgen Klopp. Remarkably, by the end of Liverpool’s 12th league match this season, Gravenberch had played every single minute.

When Liverpool secured the title on matchday 34, the Dutchman remained ever-present in the starting lineup, a feat matched only by Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

Few players have shown greater improvement at the club this season. Gravenberch has become an essential part of the side, and replacing him after such a campaign would be unjust.

CM – Alexis Mac Allister

It quickly became evident that Mac Allister was a brilliant acquisition for Liverpool, secured from Brighton for an initial fee of £35 million. The Argentine international made a more immediate impact than Gravenberch, and Slot has since identified a system that brings the best out of both players. Operating in a double pivot rather than the solitary defensive role Klopp assigned him during the 2023–24 campaign, Mac Allister now has the freedom to dictate play. Despite revealing in December that he might consider a move to LaLiga in the future, his father has confirmed that the 26-year-old is currently ‘very happy’ at Liverpool. With his contract running until 2028, Mac Allister is expected to remain a central figure in Liverpool’s setup next season.

AM – Dominik Szoboszlai

Szoboszlai’s performances during his first two seasons at Liverpool have faced occasional scrutiny, but he has ended his second campaign on a strong note.

While he may not deliver the typical number of goals and assists expected from a traditional No.10, his overall contribution to the team is increasingly being recognised.

His relentless work rate in advanced areas has been vital to Liverpool’s achievements, playing a key role in their success.

Although there were points earlier in the season when an upgrade in his position seemed like a possibility, that no longer appears to be a pressing concern.

RW – Mohamed Salah

Imagine if they had been forced to replace him. Liverpool now have another two years with Salah, and it’s hard to picture him anything but a starter, provided he maintains even half of the form he’s shown this season.

Salah has already exceeded 50 goal contributions across all competitions this season, delivering one of the most remarkable individual campaigns the Premier League has ever witnessed.

Thanks to his new contract, Salah remains Liverpool’s highest-paid player, meaning the club will be hoping for continued strong performances from him on the pitch next season.

Some pundits, including Jamie Carragher, have suggested that Liverpool should bolster their attack to provide more support for Salah. It will be interesting to see who he’ll be partnering with at Anfield in the 2025-26 season.

CF – Hugo Ekitike

One of the most urgent positions Liverpool could look to improve is centre-forward. Darwin Nunez has faced a difficult third season at the club and may be running out of opportunities to remain part of the project.

Sources have informed TEAMtalk that a move to the Saudi Pro League could be on the horizon for Nunez, and with Diogo Jota also potentially available for transfer, his replacement would be necessary.

Liverpool’s ideal scenario, like many other clubs, would be to secure Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. However, the Magpies are confident of tying Isak down, setting a steep price tag as they near Champions League qualification.

As a result, Liverpool will be exploring other options. One name mentioned by sources to TEAMtalk is Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt.

Ekitike has had the most successful season of his career so far in the Bundesliga at the age of 22. Liverpool may now look to take advantage of his potential by offering him a long-term contract.

Though he might be a bit of a risk, having only had two seasons with double-digit goal tallies, he appears to be on the rise, and Liverpool could be imagining a promising future with him leading their attack.

LW – Cody Gakpo

While signing a new striker appears to be an essential priority for Liverpool, the left-wing position is a topic open to more debate.

In the current squad, Gakpo and Luis Diaz are at a similar level, with Gakpo having had more chances to play on the wing this season, while some of Diaz’s appearances have been in a more central role.

Gakpo has credited his recent improvement in form to being used in his preferred position, after often being asked to play centrally last season.

Could Liverpool find a better option than Gakpo? They were linked with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January before his move from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain, suggesting they may believe an upgrade is possible.

However, like Szoboszlai earlier in the season, Gakpo has shown improvement this year and can now feel he has earned his place in Liverpool’s long-term plans.

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