Arne Slot’s dream Liverpool XI on first day of season with Florian Wirtz among nine transfers

Liverpool have started the transfer window quickly to land Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen and more deals are to come for Arne Slot’s team

Liverpool may have won the Premier League title in 2024/25 but they are by no means resting on their laurels. The Reds have been one of the busiest sides in the transfer window so far as they look to strengthen their side to retain the status as champions.

Arne Slot negotiated his first season in charge with just one new addition in Federico Chiesa. There has been a faster pace of change now the Dutchman knows what is at his disposal however.

Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong have already arrived at Anfield this summer from Bayer Leverkusen, while Milos Kerkez is expected to undergo a medical this week after a £40million deal was agreed with Bournemouth. A new defender and striker could yet be on the agenda too with figures such as Marc Guehi and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike linked to Merseyside.

In the opposite direction, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Caoimhin Kelleher have already made their exit to Real Madrid and Brentford respectively. Jarell Quansah is on the verge of a move to Leverkusen, while a number of stars have uncertain futures.

Perhaps the most likely to depart in time for the start of the season is Darwin Nunez. The Uruguay international struggled to break into Slot’s plans and now has the likes of Napoli circling.

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With less than eight weeks until the season kicks off, it’s already clear that Slot’s first starting XI is going to be somewhat different to 12 months before. Mirror Football takes a look at the side that could kickstart the season.

Goalkeeper and defence

Alisson will likely start in goal but will have to fend off fierce competition from new arrival Giorgi Mamardashvili. The Reds agreed a deal with Valencia last summer and the Georgian shotstopper arrives for the first time next month to challenge Liverpool’s no.1.

In front of Alisson will remain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, despite interest in Guehi. The Crystal Palace skipper is said to want starting XI assurances before any move but would have his work cut out an Anfield.

They will be flanked by Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong as a new era is established at full-back on Merseyside. Andy Robertson will be left with a decision to make on his future.

Midfield

Slot found a new player in Ryan Gravenberch as he transformed his fortunes at the club last term. The boss’ countryman will keep his place at the base of midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister, but Domink Szoboszlai may have more difficulty cementing his position.

The Hungary international is set to find new competition from the club’s record signing, Wirtz. Szoboszlai is sure to find a way into Slot’s rotation but it is difficult to see Wirtz not being a significant part of the Dutchman’s plans.

Forwards

After signing his new contract, Mo Salah may just keep his place after his spectacular 2024/25 season. Wirtz would offer another option in the forward line but may be better served being the supplier to Liverpool’s attackers.

Luis Diaz, if he remains at the club, is likely to edge out Cody Gakpo for a place. The Colombian was required to lead the line for much of last term but was perhaps more potent from the left flank.

Slot’s options then may flicker between Diogo Jota proving he is capable of playing for a sustained period and a new signing. Should Liverpool sign Ekitike, they would find a player capable of fitting in their fluid frontline, and capable of pressing.

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