Liverpool 25/26 Season Preview: Can Reds Win Record 21st League Title After Summer Signings?

Liverpool, fueled by last season's success and key signings, aim for a 21st league title and Champions League glory. 

Liverpool head into the new season in fine shape, with hopes soaring higher than ever after equaling Manchester United’s record of 20 league titles last year. Their dominance was clear: they clinched the crown with matches to spare, secured top transfer targets, and may yet add Alexander Isak to their dynamic attack. Many fans believe a 21st domestic league trophy is within reach—and perhaps even a seventh Champions League, under the steady guidance of Arne Slot.

An Unthinkable Loss

Yet, optimism at Anfield this summer has been tempered by profound grief. The sudden, tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a car accident on 3 July struck at the heart of the club. Jota, a beloved teammate and world-class finisher, had just enjoyed championship triumphs with Liverpool and Portugal. The tragedy brought the squad even closer, but its true long-term impact on their mentality remains the biggest unknown as they look to defend the league title. In Jota’s memory, Liverpool have retired his No 20 shirt across all teams and are planning a permanent memorial at Anfield, where thousands have already come to pay tribute.

Squad Strengthened for the Challenge

Looking solely at football matters, Liverpool appear improved from last season. Four major signings—costing nearly £300m—have enhanced the team’s depth and versatility, both key priorities for Slot in his second year. The previously ever-rotating squad allowed Liverpool to finish with a comfortable margin at the top. Slot, ever the tactician, did admit that last winter’s relentless 30-game stretch led to player fatigue and may have hurt their Carabao Cup ambitions. This time, fans can expect him to manage minutes more carefully.

The Reds have significantly increased pace at full-back by snapping up Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, underscoring an intent to play fast, wide football. In attack, they gazumped Newcastle to sign Hugo Ekitiké after his breakthrough in Germany, while pipping Bayern Munich and Manchester City to secure the exciting Florian Wirtz for a record fee. The creative German is expected to fill the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exit, adding guile and invention between the lines. While Liverpool are stacked with attacking threats, their central defence still relies heavily on Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté’s rock-solid partnership, a proven foundation after last season’s heroics.

The Arne Slot Factor

Arne Slot’s steady progress is key to Liverpool’s resurgence. His style and temperament set him apart from Jurgen Klopp, yet his tactical intelligence and composed leadership have endeared him to fans. Slot—a record breaker with 11 wins from his first 12 league games—became the first Dutch coach to win the Premier League and only the third boss in Liverpool history to secure the championship in his debut season. In the wake of this summer’s sorrow, Slot commented that leading Liverpool now “means even more” to him and his family, underscoring his growing bond with the city.

Off the Pitch

Jota’s passing deeply touched both Liverpool and the football community. The 28-year-old, who married his partner Rute Cardoso just days before the tragedy, was celebrated for his humility and connection with teammates. The club, in an emotional gesture, will retire his number and create a lasting tribute at Anfield.

Record Signing and Future Stars

All eyes will be on Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s marquee signing, whose technical quality, creativity, and ability to unlock defences have already caught the eye in pre-season. Slot is confident Wirtz can be the difference-maker Liverpool need to take their game to new heights.

Meanwhile, young left-winger Rio Ngumoha has taken his chance to shine—his sparkling solo goal against Yokohama F. Marinos the same day Luis Díaz moved to Bayern hinted at a possible new hero emerging. Ngumoha followed it up with another standout display in pre-season and, with his 17th birthday later this month, is set to sign his first professional contract after swapping Chelsea for an Anfield pathway he believes favors youth.

Crucial Season Ahead for Bradley

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s early transfer to Madrid—completed for an initial €10m—has reshuffled the pecking order at right-back. Conor Bradley, just 22 but already highly experienced, looked set for a bigger role. However, the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong means competition will be fierce. Bradley will have to battle hard to make the position his own, but the opportunity is there for a breakthrough campaign.