"It fits the criteria of Liverpool's recruitment team.”
Liverpool cruised to the Premier League title and it carries an ominous message: they’re not done yet. Rivals hoping for a reset will instead face a side ready to push even harder.
Arne Slot’s effortless step into Jurgen Klopp’s shoes, once seen as a poisoned chalice, has sparked a new era defined by both continuity and calm dominance.
Their 20th league title was won without major squad changes.
Not only does it underline Liverpool’s stability but it also highlights the smart strategy already shaping what’s next.
Despite minimal changes last summer, including the £29 million arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili and a low-risk move for Federico Chiesa, Liverpool barely broke stride.
Now, the club is preparing to go up a gear.
Under new sporting director Richard Hughes, the plan is clear: reinforce from a position of strength. And as Premier League champions, few positions are stronger.
The question now is: where will they add firepower and who will they target?
Challenging Alisson
Alisson is arguably the world’s best goalkeeper and at 32, he is not old.
Barring something unforeseen, he will be Liverpool’s first choice next season.
Liverpool signed Valencia’s Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili last summer in readiness for the 2025/26 season, providing strong competition for the Brazilian.
This means Caoimhin Kelleher will surely leave.
There will be plenty of suitors for a goalkeeper who has proved his quality and consistency in the Premier League.
Robertson to be Replaced?
One position under close scrutiny is left-back.
Andy Robertson has been a loyal servant and key figure in Liverpool’s modern era, but signs suggest a changing of the guard is being prepared.
Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is strongly tipped to arrive.
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes he fits the bill.
He told BBC Sport: “Kerkez from Bournemouth is a really good option.
“He’s quick, he’s got good feet, likes defending one-on-one. He is very tenacious, great energy, and is only 21. It fits the criteria of Liverpool’s recruitment team.”
This isn’t about pushing Robertson out. His experience and high standards remain valuable, but Liverpool is planning for what’s next.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is heavily rumoured to leave for Real Madrid, with Conor Bradley in line to take over at right-back.
But right now, left-back looks like the most likely area for a first defensive move.
Gravenberch: Solving the Midfield Problem
Liverpool’s search for a holding midfielder dominated last summer but it may no longer be on the agenda.
A £52 million move for Martin Zubimendi was rejected by the Real Sociedad star, leaving Liverpool without their top target.
Instead of rushing into another deal, Arne Slot made a bold internal call.
Ryan Gravenberch, not previously seen as a deep-lying midfielder, was handed the role and thrived.
So much so that Danny Murphy believes Liverpool no longer needs to strengthen in that position.
He said: “I think there might be a change of tack on this.
“If you’re going to go out and spend good money on a holding midfielder he’s going to want to play, and instead of Gravenberch.”
“He has arguably been the best holding midfield player in the Premier League this season.
“If it’s not broke don’t fix it. I’d be surprised to see him bring someone in there.”
The Exit for Darwin Nunez?
Darwin Nunez has been at Liverpool for three seasons and is still no closer to becoming the consistent striker the side needs.
Under Arne Slot, he slipped down the pecking order.
Despite strong support from fans who admire his relentless energy and unpredictability, Nunez’s future looks bleak.
But who would replace him?
There has been talk of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak but it would be unrealistic.
Lille’s Jonathan David could be a smarter option as he is a consistent scorer in Ligue 1, plus he will be available on a free once the 2024/25 season is over.
Closer to home is West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, who can play on either wing or as an attacking midfielder.
How Will Rivals React?
Manchester City’s fall from their dominant run and Arsenal’s fading challenge opened the door for Liverpool’s resurgence.
While the idea of Liverpool strengthening a title-winning team is a daunting one, Danny Murphy expects fierce competition from their rivals next season.
“This will have been a real jolt and the kick up the backside to the competitors who probably didn’t see Liverpool doing this with the squad they had.
“I suspect Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola would have been sitting there last summer thinking ‘I’m glad Liverpool haven’t spent any money.’”
“But they will respond. They are not stupid.”
“Other clubs will know Liverpool will also kick on now and make some major signings now they have set the benchmark.”
Under Arne Slot, the foundations of Liverpool’s success were built on consistency, smart strategy, and a squad brimming with potential.
But as the squad evolves, so too does the challenge of maintaining dominance in a league where competition is fierce and ever-growing.
The quiet confidence that comes from winning without major squad changes gives Liverpool a solid platform.
As they move into the next transfer window, they’ll be ready to strengthen in key areas, without disrupting the balance that has brought them to this point.
For their rivals, this title win will serve as a reminder of Liverpool’s ability to adapt, innovate, and rise to the occasion.