Liverpool’s terrifying XI with £250m duo (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Alisson
The Brazilian was reportedly the subject of a transfer enquiry from Galatasaray this summer, but he wants to stay on Merseyside for at least one more season. Alisson is likely to retain his place between the sticks even with Giorgi Mamardashvili joining up with the squad.
Defence: Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez
In Frimpong and the incoming Kerkez, Arne Slot is set to begin next season with a pair of young, nippy full-backs to replace Real Madrid newcomer Trent Alexander-Arnold and Atletico Madrid-linked Andy Robertson. Throw the established partnership of Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk into the centre of the back-line, and the Reds have a formidable base to build from.
Defensive midfield: Gravenberch, Mac Allister
Although some parts of the Liverpool squad are undergoing major surgery this summer, Slot’s double pivot is not one of them. Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch were superb last season and they are certain to be in place for the start of 2025/26.
Attacking midfield: Salah, Wirtz, Gordon
Mohamed Salah renewing his contract last campaign was just as important – if not more – than the two prospective new additions to the trio behind the striker.
Wirtz is set to be given full command of the No. 10 role once he completes his £116m switch from Bayer Leverkusen. And he could be flanked by Gordon on the left if rumours of a £100m Liverpool bid come to fruition.
Striker: Isak
Liverpool will have all bases covered if they splash out on a top-level striker this summer. Darwin Nunez failed to convince Slot last term and will likely find a new club during the current window, while Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo are not at the level of an Erling Haaland, or indeed an Isak.
Newcastle have slapped a £150m price tag on their Swedish striker, which means that links between him and interested clubs have only been lukewarm in recent weeks. That could change if Liverpool find more cash to spend in the later stages of the window.