This is what Liverpool's starting XI could look like in 2024/25
- Liverpool are yet to make a signing this summer, with key stars facing uncertain futures
- Arne Slot is overseeing his first pre-season as Liverpool head coach
- Dutchman has some enormous decisions to make ahead of the 2024/25 campaign
As the transfer circus travels across Europe this summer, it's yet to stop at Anfield.
The distinct lack of activity ahead of Arne Slot's debut campaign at the helm has Liverpool supporters concerned as the start of the Premier League season draws closer. With Jurgen Klopp no longer leading the Reds, there is already enough trepidation on Merseyside.
However, Liverpool did invest in rebuilding their midfield last summer and already boast an incredibly gifted squad, lined with some impressive young talents emerging from the academy. Even one new signing would raise hopes around Anfield, but it seems increasingly likely that the Reds won't add to their roster at all this summer.
Here is how Liverpool could line up for the 2024/25 season following a quiet window.
Potential Liverpool starting XI for 2024/25 season
GK: Alisson
Liverpool have already seen Adrian leave and Caoimhin Kelleher may well be next, but that won't concern the Reds too much as long as Alisson remains between the sticks. The Brazil star has been linked with an exit, but Slot cannot allow the stopper to depart at the beginning of a new era.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
There have been question marks over Trent Alexander-Arnold's future following interest from Real Madrid, with his contract also expiring in 2025. Slot will be desperate to have the creative right-back in his squad for next season and beyond, with few capable of matching the England defender's output in the opposition half.
CB: Ibrahima Konate
Jarell Quansah usurped Ibrahima Konate at the end of last season but you would expect the French defender, who has struggled with injuries recently, to reclaim his spot in the XI for 2024/25. The 25-year-old's pace and athleticism is perfectly suited to a Liverpool team that will continue to push high up the pitch under Slot.
CB: Virgil van Dijk
Uncertainty over Virgil van Dijk's future persists, especially after his worrying comments at the end of Euro 2024. The Dutchman's contract also expires in 2025 with understandable speculation over his future, but he appears set to stay at Anfield for at least another year. The skipper will be a key bridge between his compatriot Slot and the rest of the squad, and his quality is undeniable, too.
LB: Andy Robertson
It was not a campaign to remember for club or country for Andy Robertson. The Scot struggled to produce his energetic best during the 2023/24 season, with suggestions that Liverpool may need to replace him in the near future. However, that is not a priority for the Reds, with the 30-year-old still capable of doing a stellar job on that left flank.
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai
After a swift start following his £60m last summer, Dominik Szoboszlai went off the boil during the second half of the 2023/24 season. Liverpool will hope that Slot can reinvigorate the Hungary star, who endured a difficult Euro 2024 as well. He may have more freedom in the final third under the Dutch coach, but Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones will be vying for his starting spot.
CM: Ederson
Liverpool are not expected to be busy in the transfer market, but recent reports have hinted that a new defensive midfielder is still on the cards. It's arguably the one position that the Reds must strengthen, with Wataru Endo in his early 30s and the likes of Stefan Bajcetic and Tyler Morton too young to be relied upon consistently. Ederson could be a perfect fit given his displays for Europa League winners Atalanta last term, and it's been reported that the Reds are keen on the Brazilian.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister
The man who almost certainly should have won Liverpool's Player of the Season award in 2023/24, Alexis Mac Allister once again showed his class en route to Copa America glory with Argentina this summer. The midfielder's place is guaranteed for the Reds, but Slot needs to be wary of handing the magician too much defensive responsibility.
RW: Mohamed Salah
The Egyptian king will be wearing red next season but may well leave as a free agent next summer after writing his name into Liverpool folklore over the past seven years. However, for now Mohamed Salah remains integral for the Reds and you would expect him to lead the way for goals and assists again in Slot's first season. Some competition for his place would be handy, though.
ST: Darwin Nunez
It feels like an all or nothing season for Darwin Nunez. Two promising but inconsistent campaigns mean he could be on the chopping block next summer should he fail to inspire under Slot. However, the Dutch coach likes to play with an orthodox number nine and could unlock the Uruguayan's immense potential, as he did with Santiago Gimenez at Feyenoord.
LW: Cody Gakpo
Following an exceptional Euro 2024 campaign, Slot now knows where he must play Cody Gakpo next season. While used as a striker and occasional midfielder by Klopp, it's clear that the Dutchman is best-suited to playing on the left flank. With Luis Diaz inconsistent and Diogo Jota likely to rotate with Nunez, Gakpo may have jumped to the front of the queue on the left-hand side.