They may be the reigning Premier League champions, but they are not resting on their laurels. Liverpool has been one of the most active teams in the 2025 summer transfer window, with Arne Slot assembling a squad that could very well be favourites to win the title next season.
The Dutchman has signed Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni, and Florian Wirtz. Furthermore, Alexander Isak ultimately secured his move to Anfield on deadline day, capping off a drama that dominated the window.
Slot will have an extraordinary depth of talent at his disposal. And how he chooses to line up will undoubtedly change throughout the next season, depending on fitness and fixture congestion. However, these are three of the more intriguing options for setting up.
Back Three Option
While the Reds mostly stayed to the same structure last season, the fresh signings may allow the champions to be a little more versatile than before. The addition of talented Italian centre-back Leoni might make a physically dangerous back three that also contains Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, who are supported by goalkeeping legend Alisson.
That would give Frimpong and Kerkez more license to burst forward as wing-backs and showcase their attacking abilities, similar to the midfield pair of Alexis MacAllister and Ryan Gravenberch, who starred last season.
Wirtz would play in the front three, specifically on the left, with Mohamed Salah remaining on the right as the primary goal threat. Ekitike and Isak would then compete for the No.9 position, with the Swede thought to be the preferred candidate, at least initially.
Returns: 4-3-3.
Of sure, there is every possibility. Slot believes, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” In that circumstance, the 4-3-3 formation may persist. Conor Bradley may be better suited to it at the back than Frimpong, as Konate and Van Dijk continue their connection.
This would also allow Dominik Szoboszlai a chance in a midfield trio. Of course, the other two central players would remain in place, with Salah and Wirtz taking up positions on each side of the attack, and Isak commanding a space down the middle.
4-2-3-1 Sees Ekitike Play Out Wide
Alternatively, Slot might use a 4-2-3-1 system to turn Wirtz into a more traditional number 10. While Joe Gomez might partner Van Dijk in the midfield and Robertson could return to left-back, goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who was signed last summer but loaned out to Valencia, could be a surprise addition. The Georgian is already being tipped as Alisson’s long-term replacement, and if the Brazilian is sidelined with injuries, the new shot-stopper could get his chance.
With Wirtz moving to the 10th position and Isak almost certainly winning a starting spot, there should be room on the left. While this could be used for Cody Gakpo, it’s also possible that newcomer Ekitike would play there. While he appears to have been brought in to play as the focal point, he may have to shift out wide to accommodate the more experienced Swede, as many rookie attackers do.
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