Wirtz Signs & “the Next Mbappe” Arrives for £84m: The Dream XI Liverpool Could Build

Who’s ready to go again next season? Arne Slot certainly is, eager to take charge of Liverpool for his second campaign at the helm.

This time, though, the Dutchman won’t arrive as an unknown figure but as a Premier League champion, having taken the division by storm to etch his name into club folklore and join a rare group of debut managers who tasted title glory.

Federico Chiesa will no doubt feel disappointed by his limited involvement over the course of the season. As the club’s only addition since Jurgen Klopp finalised his midfield overhaul in August 2023, the Italian has spent much of the year on the fringes—kept there by injury troubles and the enduring brilliance of Mohamed Salah.

While Chiesa’s future remains unclear, one thing is certain: FSG have backed Slot with significant funds to shape his squad this summer.

Sporting director Richard Hughes is already hard at work behind the scenes, and more business is expected. Newsnow takes a look at how Liverpool could be lining up by the time Autumn arrives.

GK – Alisson Becker

Liverpool reached a £29 million agreement with Valencia for Giorgi Mamardashvili last summer, and the Georgian shot-stopper is now set to join the Anfield outfit. However, displacing Alisson Becker from the starting role will be no easy task.

Alisson’s consistent excellence has already prompted Caoimhin Kelleher—a highly talented keeper in his own right—to seek opportunities elsewhere, and Mamardashvili may have to bide his time before staking a serious claim for the number one jersey.

RB – Jeremie Frimpong

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid on a free transfer is bound to remain a divisive talking point for years to come. However, Hughes and his team may have uncovered a gem in Jeremie Frimpong as his replacement.

The explosive right-sided defender has departed Bayer Leverkusen after Liverpool triggered his £29.5 million release clause, and the contrast he brings compared to Conor Bradley could inject a fresh and dynamic edge to Slot’s side.

CB – Ibrahima Konate

Ibrahima Konate remains hesitant to commit to a new contract, though recent reports suggest there has been some progress in negotiations.

At 24, he is regarded as one of the finest centre-backs in the game, offering a powerful and athletic presence that perfectly complements the captain alongside him.

CB – Virgil van Dijk

Like Salah, and in contrast to Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk agreed to a two-year contract extension with Liverpool in April, ensuring his legendary spell with the club will continue.

Widely regarded as one of the finest defenders of his era, the Dutchman remains a commanding presence, a natural leader, and, above all, a remarkable footballer.

LB – Milos Kerkez

Although an agreement is yet to be finalised, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that “club-to-club talks are underway” between Liverpool and Bournemouth.

Andy Robertson, now 31, has been a loyal figure at Liverpool for many years, but at times this season he appeared to be a vulnerable point in the squad. Kerkez, ten years younger, could represent an ideal long-term successor.

CM – Ryan Gravenberch

Ryan Gravenberch was deservedly named the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year.

Has any unexpected talent made a greater impact in the league this season? Following a modest first year on Merseyside, the 22-year-old has continued to grow in stature and influence.

Liverpool were unable to persuade Martin Zubimendi to join them a year ago, but that will matter little to them now.

CM – Alexis Mac Allister

Reports suggest Real Madrid are interested in Alexis Mac Allister, but Liverpool have no intention of allowing their midfield linchpin to depart this summer.

Mac Allister is arguably underappreciated, yet he stands out as one of the key figures in bringing Slot’s tactical approach to life.

RW – Mohamed Salah

Salah. What more can be said?

Perhaps just thank you. The Egyptian King has delivered immense joy and success to Liverpool, rightfully earning two Premier League titles while shattering countless records along the way.

As he turns 33 this month, whether he can replicate this season’s remarkable tally of 34 goals and 23 assists across all competitions remains to be seen.

Regardless, the right winger will be hoping for greater attacking quality around him next season.

AM – Florian Wirtz

What better way to reward Salah for his outstanding season than by signing Florian Wirtz, hailed by sports media expert Cristian Nyari as a “truly generational talent.”

Liverpool have been engaged in negotiations with Leverkusen over the 22-year-old playmaker, with the German club demanding a €150m (£126m) fee; further discussions are likely necessary.

If Liverpool succeed in sealing this deal, it would be a remarkable way to counterbalance the uncertainty surrounding Trent’s transfer to sunny Spain.

LW – Anthony Gordon

Luis Diaz has contributed greatly to Liverpool throughout his time at the club, and now, at 28, he is entering the second-to-last year of his contract with his value at an all-time high. Both Barcelona and Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr have expressed interest.

Liverpool would need to find a replacement for their Colombian star, and according to Football Insider, they could renew their interest in Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon.

Newcastle would demand £80m for their prized winger, but as a lifelong Liverpool supporter, Gordon might be tempted by the prospect of returning to Merseyside.

CF – Hugo Ekitike

Hugo Ekitike would be the perfect finishing touch if Darwin Nunez departs Liverpool as anticipated this summer.

Though just 22, Ekitike has made impressive strides since moving from Paris Saint-Germain to Eintracht Frankfurt, netting 22 goals and providing 12 assists during the 2024/25 season.

Liverpool are competing with Chelsea for his £84m transfer, and having been dubbed the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey for his smooth, versatile attacking style, he would undoubtedly be a valuable addition.

Slot’s dream Liverpool line-up in full: (GK) Alisson Becker; (RB) Jeremie Frimpong, (CB) Ibrahima Konate, (CB) Virgil van Dijk, (LB) Milos Kerkez; (CM) Ryan Gravenberch, (CM) Alexis Mac Allister; (RW) Mohamed Salah, (AM) Florian Wirtz, (LW) Anthony Gordon; (CF) Hugo Ekitike.

In other news, Liverpool Shortlist “Outrãgeous” £67m Forward Who’s Just Another Darwin Nunez