Premier League 2025-26 Preview: Can Liverpool Defend Their Title?
As the new English Premier League season approaches, anticipation is growing over which club will be crowned champions in 2025-26. After Arne Slot delivered the trophy to Anfield in his debut campaign, much of the spotlight is on whether Liverpool can claim consecutive league titles for the first time since the mid-1980s.
Liverpool: Strength and Stability Heading Into the New Season
Liverpool’s dominance last year was decisive. Following a narrow home loss to Nottingham Forest in mid-September, the Reds remained unbeaten in the Premier League until early April—a run spanning 27 matches. When the dust settled, they had lost just four matches all season, with two coming after they confirmed the championship.
The foundation of Liverpool’s success lies in top-tier talent and squad cohesion. Their defensive ranks feature goalkeeper Alisson Becker and center-back Virgil van Dijk, recognized as world-class in their roles. The midfield is anchored by Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch, offering balance and creativity.
In attack, Mohamed Salah continues to deliver extraordinary numbers. With 184 goals and 87 assists in 288 league games, Salah remains pivotal, and last season he registered his highest-ever goal involvements for the club—29 goals and 18 assists despite turning 33. His newly inked contract, along with van Dijk’s extension, ensures Liverpool retains its most influential players for another campaign.
Liverpool’s “winning habit” is underpinned by a seamless blend of experience and fresh energy, with key figures such as Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, and Darwin Nunez offering depth across the front line.
Summer Transfers: Reinforcements and Key Moves
While Liverpool will begin the campaign without Trent Alexander-Arnold, who departed for Real Madrid, they have moved swiftly to secure Dutch wing-back Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen for £29.5 million. Frimpong’s attacking prowess and defensive solidity could make him an upgrade rather than a mere replacement.
Another area receiving attention is on the left flank. Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, a Hungarian wing-back, is reportedly nearing a £40 million transfer. Kerkez is tipped as a long-term successor to Andy Robertson, underscoring Liverpool’s focus on building for the future.
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing acquisition is imminent: Florian Wirtz. The 22-year-old German midfielder from Bayer Leverkusen is poised for a move that would set a new club and British transfer record—£100 million up front with potential add-ons reaching £16 million. With a track record of 35 goals and 47 assists in 140 club appearances, Wirtz promises additional creativity and dynamism in midfield.
These transfers reflect Arne Slot’s intent to combine defensive reliability with attacking flair out wide, set to make Liverpool a potent threat in every phase of play.
Arsenal: Chasing Their First Title in Two Decades
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are widely expected to be Liverpool’s main competitors again this year. The Gunners’ entertaining style brought them close, yet last season underscored their need for a true goal-scoring striker.
While Gabriel Jesus brings energy, his injury history is a concern. Kai Havertz offers versatility but isn’t a pure number nine, and although new signing Martin Zubimendi strengthens midfield depth, he does not address Arsenal’s need for a reliable, 20-goal forward.
The club has been linked with Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko, and even Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. If Arsenal secures one or two of those attacking talents, they could push Liverpool to the wire and end a title drought that stretches back to 2003-04.
Manchester City: Searching for Solutions
A third-place finish and another FA Cup final appearance marked a relative dip by Manchester City’s usual standards. Their previous air of invincibility faded as they lost nine league games—more than in any of the last ten years. With just 72 goals scored and 44 conceded, both figures were clear outliers for a team typically dominant at both ends.
Manager Pep Guardiola has overseen new arrivals including midfielder Tijani Reijnders from Milan and winger Rayan Cherki from Lyon. However, neither addresses City’s most pressing needs. Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri brings much-needed reinforcement at left-back, but City still faces significant challenges in other positions.
The summer departure of Kevin De Bruyne leaves a void in creativity and leadership. Over his City career, De Bruyne contributed 72 goals and 120 assists in league play—production that will be difficult to replace overnight.
Up front, Erling Haaland remains a prolific option, but beyond the Norwegian, depth is thin. Omar Marmoush offers promise but hasn’t yet demonstrated Haaland’s consistent threat. These gaps could prove problematic if injuries strike.
Title Race Outlook: Will Liverpool Repeat As Champions?
The 2025-26 Premier League shapes up as a contest where Liverpool is the team to beat. Strengthened by key signings and with continuity at the core of the squad, the Reds enter the campaign full of confidence.
Arsenal’s hopes may hinge on securing a world-class striker to complement their dynamic midfield, while Manchester City must address imbalances and the loss of De Bruyne to re-establish themselves as the dominant force.
With the season stretching over 38 games, unpredictability is always a factor, but Liverpool’s combination of momentum, experience, and smart transfers position them as early favorites to lift the trophy once again.
