REINFORCEMENTS 2025-26 SEASON: Liverpool Should Make to Win the Premier League Again Next Season

Liverpool’s Next Steps After Premier League Glory Under Arne Slot

Winning the Premier League is an achievement to savour, but in modern football, resting on laurels is a fast track to decline. Liverpool, under the stewardship of Arne Slot, must embrace the old adage: evolve or be left behind. While the celebrations at Anfield have been memorable, the focus is already shifting towards how to strengthen this title-winning squad.

Departures are anticipated as Slot trims the squad, with significant backing expected in the transfer market. Despite lifting the Premier League trophy with a relative degree of comfort, Liverpool have obvious areas needing attention. The summer ahead offers an opportunity to reinforce from a position of strength.

Here’s a detailed look at four players Liverpool should target to maintain their Premier League supremacy.

Left-back Reinforcements: Milos Kerkez in Focus

Few positions demand greater urgency than left-back. Andy Robertson has battled valiantly, but time is catching up with the Scottish stalwart. Kostas Tsimikas, meanwhile, has been inconsistent and may well seek pastures new this summer.

Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez has emerged as Liverpool’s prime target. The 21-year-old Hungarian has flourished under Andoni Iraola, blending tireless runs down the wing with sharp, accurate deliveries.

Given that Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes signed Kerkez for Bournemouth in 2023, the Reds are thought to be in pole position to secure him — though a fee of around £45 million and stiff competition from continental giants makes the deal far from straightforward.

Centre-back Options: Dean Huijsen’s Meteoric Rise

Staying on the south coast, another name linked with Liverpool is Dean Huijsen. The 20-year-old, previously on the Reds’ radar, has blossomed since moving to Bournemouth, earning senior caps for Spain and catching the eye of Europe’s elite.

Liverpool’s need for a central defender is heightened by uncertainty around Ibrahima Konaté’s future, with just over a year left on his contract.  Even if Konaté stays, bolstering this area would be prudent given the physical demands of competing on multiple fronts.

Right-back Depth: Vanderson Ticks the Boxes

As Liverpool prepare for life after Trent Alexander-Arnold — with the academy graduate edging closer to the exit — the right-back department needs careful reinforcement. Conor Bradley has impressed, but his injury record suggests Liverpool require a solid alternative.

Monaco’s Vanderson fits the bill. Few in Europe can match his defensive output, with the Brazilian ranking among the top one per cent of full-backs for tackles and interceptions across the big five leagues in the past year. His defensive solidity would balance nicely with the more progressive qualities of a potential new left-back like Kerkez.

Slot’s style will demand high work rates and defensive intelligence from his full-backs, and Vanderson’s experience and consistency make him a smart investment.

Midfield Evolution: Adam Wharton’s All-Round Appeal

Adam Wharton’s ascent has been nothing short of spectacular. Making the step from Blackburn Rovers to Crystal Palace look effortless, the 21-year-old has quickly established himself in the Premier League and even earned an England cap.

Wharton’s technical proficiency is unquestionable. “He ranks incredibly high in the Premier League for progressive passes and chances created among midfielders,” underlining his capacity to influence games in various midfield roles.

Although elements of his defensive play need refining, his ceiling is remarkably high. Liverpool would be wise to monitor Wharton’s development closely, potentially swooping before Europe’s heavyweights circle.

Final Thought: Evolving Liverpool’s Winning Formula

Arne Slot’s first Premier League title at Liverpool was an outstanding achievement, but the next challenge is even harder: staying at the top. Strategic signings like Kerkez, Huijsen, Vanderson and Wharton could future-proof the squad, injecting fresh energy while maintaining the core principles that have brought success.

With rivals like Manchester City, Arsenal and an improving Chelsea already plotting their resurgence, Liverpool’s summer recruitment could define the next phase of their Premier League era under Arne Slot.