Martin Zubimendi signs and Anthony Gordon follows: Liverpool's new XI will fight for the Premier League title with Arne Slot
Liverpool are yet to make any signings for the summer but could soon field a starting XI ready for a potential title challenge.
The Reds The Arne Slot era will begin next Saturday away to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town. Live on talkSPORT.
There has been little to no transfer activity at Anfield so far, apart from the notable departures of Thiago, Joel Matip and Adrian.
However, talkSPORT understands that Liverpool are… Looking forward to doing Real Sociedad's Martín Zubimendi was his first signing under Slot.
A sensational move for the Newcastle star Antonio GordonThe former Everton player, a great cross-city rival, has also been a topic of conversation this summer.
Among the potential deals that could be finalised for the new season, talkSPORT.com has analysed a possible new starting XI for Liverpool.
Alisson was instrumental in the club's success in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cup during Jürgen Klopp's nine-year reign.
The Brazilian international has three years left on his contract and, at 31, is likely to remain the first-choice goalkeeper for the long term.
Liverpool's defence practically picks itself, with Andy Robertson set to remain their first-choice left-back.
He missed much of last season with a shoulder injury, but with his defensive experience and 65 assists in 297 appearances, he is a reliable asset for Slot.
Club captain Virgil van Dijk has been linked with a summer exit as he has just one year left on his contract at Anfield.
However, talkSPORT reported in June that Liverpool are confident… He will stayand the Dutchman is arguably one of their best defenders of all time.
9
9
The potential starter alongside Van Dijk in central defence is Ibrahima Konate, and the pair have made 64 appearances together for the Reds.
For much of the summer, the most speculated potential departure has been that of their excellent academy product Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Having made 100 goal contributions in 310 appearances for Liverpool, the 25-year-old has emerged as a top transfer target for Real Madrid amid the expiration of his contract next summer.
The right-back would be another big-name signing for the Spanish giants after Kylian Mbappe, but talkSPORT understands the Reds are confident the right-back Sign a new agreement.
Speaking at his first Liverpool press conferenceSlot explained how he likes to see his training.
“Sometimes we use a 4-2-3-1, sometimes a 4-1-4-1. Sometimes we make plays with three players, so we have a lot of freedom when we have the ball.”
He added: “I wouldn't put myself in a situation where I said I prefer 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 or 4-1-4-1.
9
“There are a lot of players in a lot of different positions, so if you had asked me, I would say that at Feyenoord we play with a 4-3-3 instead of a 4-2-3-1.”
The final line-up will soon be seen on the pitch and as far as midfield is concerned, Zubimendi will provide that extra point of quality.
A product of the Real Sociedad youth system, the Euro 2024 champion with Spain can play both as a defensive midfielder and a central defender.
Liverpool fans will surely be pleased to know that he idolises Club legend Xabi Alonsoalthough the 25-year-old currently has a £51m release clause.
9
Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones are other potential options, but the signing of Zubimendi may offer a little more.
One of the Reds' standout performers last season was Alexis Mac Allister, whose initial £35m transfer fee turned out to be a bargain.
He scored seven goals and provided seven assists in his first season and, like Zubimendi, can play in midfield or in defence.
Mac Allister has excelled in a more attacking role for Brighton, so could also play as a No. 10, although Dominik Szoboszlai is another contender for that position and the two could be swapped.
9
The Hungarian made a fine start to life at Liverpool before suffering a slight dip in form, but at 23 and with his previous success at RB Leipzig, he could still make the difference.
Earlier in the window, talkSPORT reported that the Reds made a tentative investigation to Newcastle to look for Gordon, but negotiations failed.
“His mind is on Newcastle,” Magpies boss Howe recently said of the former Everton man, although a potential transfer has certainly not been fully sealed yet.
Gordon scored 12 goals and assisted 11 for Newcastle in all competitions last season and would be an excellent addition on the left wing for Liverpool.
9
9
Along with Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah only has one year left on his contract and the Egyptian was linked with a mammoth £150million move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad last summer.
talkSPORT reported in April that Liverpool are preparing for a A new approach from Saudi Arabia, but if Salah stays, the club's top scorer in the Premier League with 155 goals will start on the right wing.
Leading the charge is apparently Darwin Núñez, a player who many fans believe can still do more in front of goal.
The Uruguayan scored 18 goals and provided 13 assists last season in all competitions, which is 12 more than in his debut campaign.
9
