Liverpool, under Arne Slot’s inaugural season in the Anfield managerial role, overcame the odds to secure the 2024/25 Premier League title.
The retention of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk on the red side of Merseyside beyond the summer serves as the cherry on top.
The announcement of the legendary duo signing new contracts at Anfield was precisely the news that fans were eager to receive, fostering a sense of optimism that Slot is poised to lead the club into a remarkable era in the years ahead.
Moreover, the unfortunate departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer does not seem to have diminished expectations, as significant transactions are being executed even before the summer transfer window officially opens.
Another summer of business is on the horizon for the 46-year-old tactician – who is commonly admired as one of the greatest managers in football – and his entourage and they, like the 19 other teams in the top flight, will be looking to reinforce their squad.
While it’s undoubtedly been a maiden season to remember, it would be remiss to suggest that they’re improvement-free.
Taking outside noise into consideration, GIVEMESPORT have mustered Liverpool’s dream XI for the beginning of the 2025/26 campaign.
Unless something drastic happens between now and the end of the campaign, you can bet your bottom dollar that none other than Alisson Becker – widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Premier League history – will remain in between the sticks.
With Alexander-Arnold on his way out, Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen and Conor Bradley are set to battle for the right-back berth.
A different mold to the Englishman, both men have blistering pace, which could benefit Liverpool’s right-hand side.
In terms of Slot’s two-man central defensive unit, you know what they say: if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it! And that’ll be Slot’s thinking when assessing his options in the heart of the backline ahead of the doors of the summer trading period swinging open.
Although there are concerns over Ibrahima Konate’s injury problems, there are more pressing issues at hand.
When fit, the Frenchman is reliable as he is imposing – and his partnership with skipper Van Dijk, who is imposing as he is talented, is a sight to behold.
On the Dutchman, it’s tricky to put your finger on a better Premier League signing in the last 10 years (don’t worry, we’ll come to Salah later). Becoming the first player from the Netherlands to captain a Premier League-winning side, the 33-year-old shows no signs of slowing down.
It’s a duo of changes for Liverpool in the full-back department: out goes the seasoned Andy Robertson and in comes Bournemouth hotshot Milos Kerkez.
Arsenal-linked, it’s easy to see that the 21-year-old Hungary international would be a brilliant fit for Slot’s well-drilled style of play.
It’s not unfair to say Ryan Gravenberch struggled under Jurgen Klopp.
But, since Slot’s arrival in the summer, it’s been a completely different kettle of fish – and, rightfully so, the Dutchman is now widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in world football.
The beauty of Amsterdam-born Gravenberch is that he doesn’t mind mopping up and doing a lot of the dirty work in Liverpool’s engine room.
He’s somewhat anchored the midfield, which, in turn, has allowed Alexis Mac Allister to roam into his natural position.
That being a more forward-thinking operator at the heart of the action, the World Cup winner’s combination of passing expertise and ability to be the tempo-dictating presence that Slot so desires is what makes Liverpool so difficult to beat. Games are won in midfield, after all.
And while Dominik Szoboszlai is not a bad choice by any stretch of the imagination, the addition of Florian Wirtz would boost their performances tenfold.
A technician of the highest calibre, Liverpool are said to be ahead of Bayern Munich in the race for the exciting Bayer Leverkusen playmaker in a blockbuster deal.
Slot’s right-wing berth is expected to be held down by Salah for the next two years at least after committing his future to the club.
The Egyptian King is determined to add further silverware to his trophy cabinet before eventually departing Anfield.
And, looking at his exploits in the final third, why not? The ex-Fiorentina man has been a goalscoring revolution since he stepped through the door and has (at the time of writing) notched 244 strikes and a total of 113 assists in 400 outings.
But what Liverpool are crying out for is an out-and-out striker: step forward, Alexander Isak of Newcastle United.
The enigmatic Swede, 25, will require an outlay north of £100 million, but he guarantees a) bucketloads of goals and b) experience in the top flight.
On the left, Slot has a conundrum to sort out.
Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo – who could be the highest in the pecking order – are all potential options.
The latter, as evidenced by his recent showings, is the strongest of the trio.