There might still be one game to go this season, but Liverpool doesn’t look as though it’s wasting any time getting its Premier League title defense ready.
Virgil van Dijk will finally get the chance to lift the trophy tomorrow at Anfield after the Reds face Crystal Palace in their final game of the campaign. After that, all focus will turn to the summer transfer window, although Arne Slot and Richard Hughes already look to be getting a head start.
Giorgi Mamardashvili will of course complete his move from Valencia after a deal was reached last year, and he looks set to be joined by Jeremie Frimpong, with an announcement on his arrival looking like just a matter of time now.
The right-back may well be joined by Bayer Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz, with speculation growing over his future. After a whirlwind week, it now looks as though Liverpool is leading the race for his signature.
Liverpool.com understands the Reds have made contact with Leverkusen over a potential deal, with Wirtz said to have informed Bayern Munich of his desire to move to the Premier League.
The 22-year-old’s signing alone would be one hell of a coup for Liverpool, but it doesn’t look to be stopping there. Milos Kerkez is another name that is being strongly linked, with the Bournemouth defender looking as though he will be the first-choice for a new left-back.
With Frimpong, Kerkez and Wirtz all on board for next season, Liverpool would have the makings of quite the team, and one that should instil fear into its rivals.
(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Although Mamardashvili will be arriving this summer, Alisson Becker should absolutely still be considered the Reds’ first-choice goalkeeper, with the Georgia international having to make do with a place on the bench for his first year at Anfield.
It’s all change in the back four though. Frimpong will battle it out with Conor Bradley for the right-back spot, which might not necessarily be a bad thing for the Northern Ireland international as he builds up his fitness.
Kerkez though should come straight in at left-back, with Andy Robertson making way. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate keep their usual places at the heart of the defense, with another dilemma awaiting Slot in midfield.
The obvious spot for Wirtz to play will be in the No.10 role regularly occupied by Dominik Szoboszlai this season. The German will be expected to be a regular starter, meaning Szoboszlai may have to make do with a rotating role going forward, with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch certainly not deserving of being dropped.
Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo provide the goal threat from either flank, leaving just the No.9 role to be decided.
Learn more
As things stand, that would be one of Luis Diaz or Diogo Jota, with Darwin Nunez likely to be on the move this summer. If the money is there though, Liverpool should absolutely target a new frontman.
There are suggestions that the money may even be there for both Wirtz AND Alexander Isak to be signed this summer (as per Rousing the Kop). That does feel like it might be a bit beyond Liverpool’s reach, especially if Newcastle is competing in the Champions League next season.
If the money’s there for Isak though, then it will be there for Julian Alvarez as well. The Atletico Madrid striker feels like a more attainable prospect, especially if a deal can be reached for Nunez in the opposite direction.
If Alvarez does indeed arrive, Liverpool’s potential line-up for next season will have fans unable to control their excitement.
Liverpool’s possible 2025/26 line-up: Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Alvarez
