As the reigning Premier League champions, Liverpool FC heads into the 2025-2026 season with high expectations under manager Arne Slot. Following a successful 2024-2025 campaign, the club has made strategic moves in the transfer market to bolster squad depth, addressing key departures and aiming to maintain their competitive edge across multiple competitions, including the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Champions League, and FA Community Shield. This article explores Liverpool’s squad depth for the upcoming season, highlighting key players, new signings, and potential challenges.
Goalkeepers
Liverpool’s goalkeeping unit remains one of the strongest in world football, anchored by Alisson Becker, widely regarded as one of the best in his position. His reliability, shot-stopping ability, and distribution make him the undisputed first choice. The arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia, finalized in August 2024 but joining for the 2025-2026 season, adds a high-quality backup and long-term successor. Mamardashvili’s standout performances, including a man-of-the-match display against Real Madrid, suggest he could challenge Alisson if given opportunities. With Caoimhin Kelleher expected to depart for regular first-team football, young goalkeeper Harvey Woodman is likely to step up as the third-choice option, providing depth but limited experience.
Key Players: Alisson Becker, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Harvey Woodman
Depth Assessment: Strong first and second choices, but limited experience in the third spot could be a concern if injuries arise.
Defenders
The defensive line has undergone significant changes following the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid and the expected exit of Andy Robertson. Liverpool have addressed these losses with the signings of Jeremie Frimpong (right-back) and Milos Kerkez (left-back), both of whom bring dynamism and attacking flair to the flanks. Frimpong’s pace and creativity make him a natural fit to replace Alexander-Arnold, while Kerkez offers a long-term solution on the left. Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas provide reliable backups, with Bradley’s versatility allowing him to cover both full-back positions.
In central defense, Virgil van Dijk, who signed a new two-year contract, remains the linchpin, bringing leadership and elite defending. Ibrahima Konaté, despite interest from Real Madrid, is a solid partner, with 41 appearances in the 2024-2025 season. The potential signing of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi would add further quality and depth, especially with Jarell Quansah moved away and Joe Gomez’s future uncertain. Gomez’s ability to cover multiple defensive positions adds flexibility, but Liverpool may need another center-back to ensure robustness across a grueling season.
Key Players: Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Marc Guéhi (potential), Conor Bradley, Kostas Tsimikas, Joe Gomez
Depth Assessment: The full-back positions are well-covered with new signings and versatile backups. Central defense is strong but could benefit from one more addition if Quansah or Gomez departs.
Midfielders
Liverpool’s midfield is a blend of creativity, work rate, and youth. Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai form a dynamic starting trio, with Mac Allister’s versatility allowing him to play as a No. 6 or No. 8. Gravenberch has matured into a key player, while Szoboszlai’s energy and goal threat add balance. Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo provide dependable rotation options, with Endo’s defensive nous crucial in high-intensity matches. Youngsters Stefan Bajcetic and Trey Nyoni offer long-term potential, though their immediate impact may be limited. The signing of Florian Wirtz, who scored his first Liverpool goal in a pre-season friendly against Yokohama F. Marinos, adds a creative No. 10 to unlock defenses, addressing a key area of improvement identified by Slot.
Key Players: Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz, Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, Stefan Bajcetic, Trey Nyoni
Depth Assessment: Excellent depth with a mix of starters, rotation players, and prospects. Wirtz’s arrival elevates the attacking midfield, but the defensive midfield could use another specialist if Endo’s workload becomes heavy.
Forwards
The forward line has seen significant changes following the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and the potential departure of Darwin Nunez, who has struggled for consistency and is linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League. Mohamed Salah, fresh off a new two-year contract, remains the focal point of the attack, with his goal-scoring prowess and leadership vital. Cody Gakpo has found form on the wing, while Hugo Ekitike, a recent signing from Eintracht Frankfurt, has impressed teammates and could compete for the No. 9 role. Youngster Rio Ngumoha, who shone in pre-season with a stunning solo goal against Athletic Bilbao, adds exciting depth. Liverpool’s pursuit of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak fell through due to his high price tag, but Ekitike and Gakpo provide versatility. The potential signing of Rodrygo or Anthony Gordon, as speculated on X, could further bolster the attack, though Luis Diaz’s departure to Bayern Munich for €75 million leaves a gap on the left.
Key Players: Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike, Rio Ngumoha, Federico Chiesa
Depth Assessment: Salah’s presence ensures quality, but the loss of Diaz and Jota, combined with Nunez’s potential exit, leaves the attack reliant on new signings like Ekitike and unproven talents like Ngumoha. Another top forward could solidify the unit.
Arne Slot became the first Dutch manager to win the Premier League in 2024/25.
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 5, 2025
This season, he's added even more quality to his squad:
◉ Florian Wirtz ✍️
◉ Hugo Ekitike ✍️
◉ Milos Kerkez ✍️
◉ Jeremie Frimpong ✍️
Looking to go back-to-back in 2025/26.🏆 pic.twitter.com/JQER0FNDR1
Tactical Considerations and Squad Depth Challenges
Arne Slot’s high-pressing, possession-based system demands versatile and durable players, making squad depth critical for competing on multiple fronts. The signings of Frimpong, Kerkez, Wirtz, and Ekitike address specific needs, but the loss of key players like Alexander-Arnold, Diaz, and potentially Nunez requires careful management. The full-back and midfield positions appear well-stocked, but central defense and the forward line could be vulnerable if injuries or departures occur. The reliance on young players like Ngumoha and Nyoni, while exciting, carries risks in high-stakes matches.
Liverpool’s pre-season, including friendlies against AC Milan, Yokohama F. Marinos, Preston North End, and Athletic Bilbao, showcased their depth, with youngsters like Ngumoha and Ben Doak impressing. However, the grueling schedule of the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups will test the squad’s resilience. Slot’s ability to rotate effectively, as seen in his double-header against Athletic Bilbao, will be crucial.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s squad for the 2025-2026 season is a blend of world-class talent, strategic signings, and emerging prospects. With Alisson and Van Dijk as cornerstones, new additions like Mamardashvili, Frimpong, Kerkez, Wirtz, and Ekitike enhance the squad’s quality and depth. However, potential gaps in central defense and the forward line, coupled with the integration of young players, pose challenges. If Slot can navigate these hurdles and secure one or two more high-profile signings, such as Guéhi or a top striker, Liverpool are well-positioned to defend their Premier League title and compete in Europe. The squad’s depth, while improved, will be tested by the demands of a congested fixture list, making rotation and injury management key to their success.
