Liverpool’s Premier League title party is set to run and run over the next few weeks. It won’t be long though until Arne Slot and Richard Hughes have to start planning for the Reds’ defense of the trophy.
Having wrapped up a 20th league title, and returned to its perch as Sir Alex Ferguson famously put it, Liverpool can coast through the remaining four games of the season now, knowing that its job is done.
There is, though, some work to be done off the pitch. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future of course remains unresolved, and having spoken at length with Liverpool owner John Henry on the pitch on Sunday, you’d have to feel that a decision must be coming soon.
But Slot and Hughes will be tasked with plotting the Reds’ defense of the title in the 2025/26 season. With the Dutchman looking set to be backed after a sensational first year in charge, there are some obvious areas that will need attention.
Liverpool.com has taken a look at four signings the Reds could make this summer that would give them the perfect start to their Premier League title defense.
Milos Kerkez
We’ll start with a very obvious one. If there was one signing you’d put good money on Liverpool making right now, it’s Milos Kerkez.
The Reds do need a new left-back. Andy Robertson hasn’t hit his usual heights this season, and at 31 now, there’ll be an obvious concern that his performances may only continue to dip. Kostas Tsimikas has proven to be an able deputy, but he’s not at the level Liverpool needs to be first-choice.
Kerkez looks a perfect fit for Slot’s team, and at just 21, he’s already shown himself to be of Premier League standard. There might be concerns about Bournemouth demanding more than Liverpool will be willing to pay for a new left-back, but if the Reds get Kerkez, that is perhaps the one major concern in the team resolved.
Dean Huijsen
Another Bournemouth player, which tells you all you need to know about the team Andoni Iraola – and indeed, Richard Hughes – have built there in the last couple of years.
Dean Huijsen is surely going to get a big move this summer. Just 20 years old and in his first season in the Premier League, he looks like he’s going to be a superstar – which does beg the question why on earth Juventus let him go so easily.
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He’s said to have a $67 million release clause in his contract, which means it might be a bit of a free-for-all for his signature, and if Real Madrid is involved, then his mind might already be made up. Liverpool should make sure it’s in the mix though – having Huijsen vying with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate would surely strengthen the Reds’ chances of not just defending the Premier League, but adding other trophies to the haul.
Carlos Baleba
Midfield is certainly less of a priority now than it was 12 months ago, thanks mainly to Ryan Gravenberch’s superb performances. Still, adding to the engine room would be of huge benefit to next season’s title defense.
The question is, what do you add to Liverpool’s options? Jamie Carragher has continually called for a new No.10, which does feel slightly harsh on Dominik Szoboszlai given his work rate has been crucial for Slot this season. Likewise, a new No.6 might feel like we’re doing a disservice to Gravenberch.
(Image: Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Having said that, a new defensive midfielder might be the way to go. After all, Gravenberch can play across the middle of the park, so it wouldn’t be like he is being pushed out of the side, rather gaining an alternative who can help lessen the workload.
So, who do Liverpool go for? Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have both been linked recently – both will almost certainly be expensive options, although they both look destined for big things. We’ll go for Baleba – assuming Martin Zubimendi doesn’t fancy changing his mind, that is…
Alexander Isak
Along with left-back, a new No.9 has to be the big priority this summer, and there’s no shortage of names being linked in that position.
The most eye-catching one is Alexander Isak, and it’s easy to see why. He has been sensational for Newcastle this season, and he offers the clinical nature and assuredness in front of goal that has been lacking from Darwin Nunez over the last few years.
(Image: (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images))
Of course, Newcastle isn’t going to let him go cheaply, and if Liverpool is going to sign him, its best bet is probably to hope that the Magpies don’t qualify for next season’s Champions League.
With a five-point lead over seventh-place Aston Villa now, it does look as though Eddie Howe will lead his side to Europe’s top table again. If there is any chance for Liverpool to sign Isak though – and considering he hasn’t looked too willing to commit his future to St James’ Park, there might well be – then the Reds need to go for it. He could well be a game-changer.
