Liverpool dream starting XI next season: Five signings as Michael Olise and £120m star join

Liverpool could have a brand new look to their first XI next season should they make the right moves in the transfer market this summer

There's a lot of work to be done at Liverpool this summer. The reigning Premier League champions have spectacularly underwhelmed this season.

It'll be a bitter pill to swallow seeing either Arsenal or Manchester City take the crown that Arne Slot's side worked so tirelessly to claim last year. Major surgery on a squad that is set to lose several established names will be needed.

Should the Reds secure Champions League football next season, which looks likely, the club's coffers should be in a suitably healthy state to help with any rebuilding. Here, we take a look at Liverpool's dream first XI for next season, should they manage to work the summer transfer window to their advantage this season, with five new signings slotting in, including new boy Jeremy Jacquet

FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page

READ MORE : Robbie Fowler delivers Mohamed Salah verdict before Liverpool farewell as injury hopes riseREAD MORE : I never wanted to leave Liverpool – but one thing changed everything

Goalkeepers: Giorgi Mamardashvili and Lucas Chevalier

One of the biggest areas Slot will be tasked with solving is between the sticks. Alisson can make a claim to be Liverpool's best-ever keeper and still has a year left on his current contract.

However, his 2025/26 season has been heavily impacted by injuries and his struggles could signal the end of his time on Merseyside. Juventus have become serious contenders to sign him.

Giorgi Mamardashvili will most likely take over from Alisson, with Freddie Woodman being a competent deputy when called upon this summer.

However, PSG's 24-year-old Lucas Chevalier could be a shrewd move to challenge Mamardashvili. While the Frenchman was dropped by Luis Enrique mid-season, he has showcased enough talent and could need a change of surroundings to reignite his career.

Full-backs: Pedro Porro and Milos Kerkez

Liverpool have simply failed to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left for Real Madrid last summer. Conor Bradley has shown flashes of his ability at full-back but has battled several injuries while Jeremie Frimpong is yet to cement the position as his own.

While Tottenham Hotspur have been breached time and time again this season, Pedro Porro is one Premier League-proven defender who shares many of Alexander-Arnold's attributes. Under former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, Porro was adept at winning possession back high up the pitch, pulling off defence-splitting passes and was handy in his duels.

A stint at a club with a functioning back four could propel the Spanish star to new levels. On the other side of the pitch, Milos Kerkez has come on leaps and bounds since joining from Bournemouth last summer, and with Andy Robertson's departure, the left-back spot is now his to lose.

Centre-backs: Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet

It goes without saying that with so many veteran names departing Liverpool, keeping Van Dijk in the heart of their defence is imperative. The Dutch's captain's leadership qualities will be vital for Slot as his team beds in several younger players.

While Ibrahima Konate could sign a new deal to keep him at Anfield, incoming 20-year-old centre-back Jacquet, who signed for the Reds in January for around £55million, will most likely be eyed to partner and learn from Van Dijk.

Midfield: Dominik Szoboszlai, Elliot Anderson and Florian Wirtz

There will be a fierce tussle for Nottingham Forest's Anderson this summer. The 23-year-old defensive midfielder, who it has been reported could cost potential suitors as much as £120million this summer, would bring a new dimension of steel to Slot's midfield, something that has been deeply lacking this season.

Alexis Mac Allister has struggled this term and could be sacrificed for transfer funds this summer. Curtis Jones seems to have fallen out of favour with Slot, while Wataru Endo will most likely leave the club.

While Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton is also a contender to slot into Liverpool's midfield, it's Anderson who could partner Ryan Gravenberch in a double pivot or take on defensive duties alone, with the ever-impressive Szoboszlai helping him out.

Wirtz, while struggling to live up to his £116m price tag so far, should be given a free role so he can showcase his undeniable talent.

Front three: Michael Olise, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike

On paper, it's a dream proposition. Olise, with 41 goals in 104 appearances for Bayern Munich, seems a direct replacement for Mo Salah, who is leaving the club this summer. The mere sight of the Frenchman marauding up the right flank this season, tormenting and probing with his deadly left foot, will have given Liverpool fans food for thought.

Joining Olise, should Liverpool be able to prise him from Bayern for upwards of £100million – one report has even put his price at £173m – is Ekitike cutting in from the left. The Frenchman's season has been cruelly cut short with a brutal Achilles tendon injury, but his 17 goals in his maiden term prove the 23-year-old is up to the task.

Complimenting them is Alexander Isak. While it's been a far from perfect debut season for the British record signing, the Swede is still one of the deadliest strikers in Europe and it's surely only a matter of time before he discovers his rhythm and gels with his new team-mates.

Liverpool's dream first XI for 2026/2027: Lucas Chevalier, Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet, Pedro Porro, Milos Kerkez, Dominik Szoboszlai, Elliot Anderson, Florian Wirtz, Michael Olise, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike.

Click here to read article