The 2024/2025 season heralds a new era for the Reds as it will be their first without legendary German manager Jurgen Klopp in nine years. Former Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot has been tasked with carrying on Klopp’s legacy and it will be interesting to watch how he fares in his first season at the helm.
Slot’s first season in charge has been preceded by an alarming lack of activity in the summer transfer window which has raised an understandable amount of concern among Liverpool fans but the Dutchman has come out to say that there will certainly be movement when the right choice of players become available.
Soccernet.football takes a look at how Liverpool could potentially line up when the new season gets underway.
Alisson Becker (GK)
Liverpool have already seen Adrian leave, and Caoimhin Kelleher may follow, but this won’t trouble the Reds as long as Alisson stays in goal. The Brazilian star has also been linked with a move away from Anfield but it’s difficult to see Liverpool letting go of one of the best shot-stoppers in the Premier League without any worthy replacement lined up.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)
Trent’s future at Anfield has been uncertain due to interest from Real Madrid and the fact that he’s contract is set to expire in 2025. Slot will be eager to retain the creative right-back for next season and beyond, as few can match the England defender’s productivity in the attacking half.
Virgil van Dijk (CB)
The Dutchman’s contract also expires in 2025, leading to understandable speculation about his future, but he seems likely to remain at Anfield for at least another year. As the skipper, he will be a crucial link between his compatriot Slot and the rest of the squad, and his quality is undeniable.
Ibrahima Konate (CB)
Jarell Quansah displaced the 25-year-old at the end of last season, but it is expected that the French defender, who has recently struggled with injuries, will reclaim his spot in the starting XI for 2024/25. Konate’s speed and athleticism are ideally suited to a Liverpool team that will continue to play a high-pressing game under Slot.
Andy Robertson (LB)
The Scotland international was unable to deliver his usual energetic performance during the 2023/24 season, leading to suggestions that Liverpool might need to find a replacement soon. However, this is not a priority for the Reds, as the 30-year-old is still capable of excelling on the left flank.
Ederson (DM)
Despite Liverpool’s inactivity in the transfer market, recent reports suggest that a new defensive midfielder may still be targeted as that is arguably the one position the Reds need to strengthen with Wataru Endo is in his early 30s and Stefan Bajcetic and Tyler Morton, too young to be relied upon consistently. Ederson could be an ideal fit, given his performances for Europa League winners Atalanta last season, and it’s reported that the Reds are interested in the Brazilian.
Dominik Szoboszlai (CM)
After a strong start to his Liverpool career, the Hungarian experienced a dip in form during the second half of the 2023/24 season. The Reds will hope that Slot can rejuvenate the former RB Leipzig star, who also faced challenges during Euro 2024. We expect to see him enjoy more freedom in the final third under the Dutch manager.
Alexis Mac Allister (CAM)
The former Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder was one of Liverpool’s best players last season and once again, he demonstrated his class on his way to Copa America glory with Argentina this summer. His place in the Reds’ lineup is assured, but Slot must be cautious not to burden the Argentine with too much defensive responsibility.
Mohamed Salah (RW)
The Egyptian may well depart as a free agent next summer after cementing his place in Liverpool’s history over the past seven years. For this coming season though, Salah remains crucial for the Reds and he is expected to lead in goals and assists during Slot’s first season.
Cody Gakpo (LW)
Following an outstanding Euro 2024 campaign, it’s quite obvious where the Dutchman should be deployed next season. Although Klopp used him as a striker and on occasion, in midfield, it’s evident that the Gakpo excels on the left flank. With Luis Diaz’s inconsistency in mind, the 25-year-old may have moved to the top of the pecking order for that left wing position.
Darwin Nunez (CF)
After two promising yet inconsistent seasons, Nunez may be at risk of being offloaded next summer if he fails to impress under Slot. However, the Dutch coach favors an orthodox number nine and could unlock the Uruguayan’s immense potential, similar to how he did with Santiago Gimenez at Feyenoord.