Isak signs, Salah and Van Dijk leave: Liverpool predicted XI for first 25/26 match

03/31/2025 12:25 AM

Liverpool have yet to secure the futures of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold but a huge overhaul could begin with the marquee signing of Alexander Isak.

Liverpool had a week to forget, suffering a crushing Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, followed by a bitter defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.

Salah was left devastated after their European elimination and could barely hold back his tears as he walked off the pitch. His despondent body language left many wondering if this was his final European night in a Liverpool shirt, a thought that feels all too real as contract talks remain unresolved.

Liverpool are now at a crossroads. With Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold yet to sign extensions, the club faces the unsettling prospect of losing all three on free transfers. It’s a situation that's raising alarms across the fanbase.

But amid the uncertainty, a summer rebuild at Liverpool seems inevitable. The rumour mill is already cranking up, with several players linked with moves away.

Slot only brought in Federico Chiesa on loan last summer, but has made that famous saying turning "doubters into believers” ring true again, as they lead the Premier League table by 12 points.

Despite the encouraging form, the winds of change are blowing through Anfield. After a season in charge, with multiple exits anticipated, a fresh-look side is all but certain.

As the dust settles, here's how Football Insider predicts Liverpool will line up for their first match of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Conor Bradley to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold while Mickey van de Ven joins

Alisson Becker

The Brazilian’s status as one of the world's finest goalkeepers has once again been confirmed, yet he often finds himself overlooked in debates about the best of all time. Alisson’s sensational display in the first leg against PSG was a reminder of his sheer class. Despite the arrival of Giorgio Mamardashvili, Alisson remains untouchable between the sticks — any challenger will have to wait their turn.

Conor Bradley

With Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to be paraded in a white shirt on a sunny Spanish summer’s day, all eyes will be on his successor. The heir apparent will surely be given an extended opportunity to show he can be the main man. Bradley doesn’t have Alexander-Arnold’s sublime passing range (who does?), but he has bags of energy, defends like his life depends upon it and is already first-team proven. His overlaps could be pretty tasty next season.

Ibrahima Konate

When Real Madrid and PSG are circling, you know you've got a top-class defender on your hands. Konate will have just a year left on his deal this summer, and with key players already heading for the exit, losing the Frenchman as well would be unthinkable. His dominance at the back and commanding presence make him a non-negotiable part of Liverpool's future.

Mickey van de Ven

One Dutchman departs, another arrives? Football Insider revealed that Liverpool are "very keen" on Van de Ven, viewing the 23-year-old as an "elite Champions League-level" defender. Injuries may have disrupted his season, but his lightning pace, perfectly timed last-ditch tackles, and a potential decade-long partnership with Konate make him an ideal replacement should Van Dijk move on.

Milos Kerkez

With Andy Robertson edging towards the latter stages of his career, Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez has emerged as a serious candidate to replace Robertson. A move looks increasingly likely, with Football Insider revealing that Dominik Szoboszlai is playing a key role in convincing Kerkez, his fellow Hungarian to join the Reds. His fearless forward runs, explosive attacking instincts, and defensive resilience could bring back the dynamism Liverpool have missed on that flank.

Arne Slot trusts his reliable midfield following Ryan Gravenberch’s resurgence

Ryan Gravenberch

This isn't the same Ryan Gravenberch who struggled under Jurgen Klopp or the one that never quite fit in at Bayern Munich. Under Slot, he's been revitalised, reformed, and repurposed. He has been thriving in a deeper midfield role that many fans once thought needed a big-money signing. Turns out, the solution was already at the club. Unless Slot makes a drastic call, expect him to continue here next season.

Alexis Mac Allister

When Liverpool secured Alexis Mac Allister for just £35 million, they must have been rubbing their hands together—getting a player of his quality from Brighton usually costs at least triple that fee. He's been everything they hoped for and more, excelling in a box-to-box role that perfectly suits this Liverpool side. A complete midfielder, and an absolute bargain.

Dominik Szoboszlai

Szoboszlai was criticised at the start of the season has found his feet and is now thriving in Liverpool's midfield. The Hungarian possesses that rare mix of technical brilliance, creativity, and an eye for goal, qualities that are increasingly hard to find in today's market. The famous number eight shirt brings weighty expectations, but he's showing he's more than capable of carrying the legacy. His place in this team isn't in question.

Alexander Isak to lead Liverpool’s line amid Mohamed Salah’s exit speculation

Luis Diaz

Luis Diaz has had his fair share of critics this season, but with 18 goal contributions in 42 appearances, his importance to this Liverpool side is undeniable. Could he be the internal replacement for Salah? The Colombian certainly has the explosiveness and finishing ability to ease the transition. But filling the void left by a club legend is no easy feat. Regardless, goals will need to be shared across the squad, and Diaz has already proven he can deliver.

Alexander Isak

The Swedish sensation might just be the most sought-after striker in Europe this summer—and for good reason. The Reds got a taste of his brilliance first hand when he netted in the Carabao Cup final, and Liverpool are well-placed to sign Isak and to secure his signature. Talks are likely already underway, as Isak possesses exactly what Slot's system has lacked this season: a true focal point in attack. With Nunez, Diaz, and Jota all filling in as makeshift strikers, Isak could be the long-term solution. He won't come cheap, but breaking the British transfer record for a player of his quality might just be worth it.

Cody Gakpo

Cody Gakpo has quietly become one of Liverpool's most reliable attacking outlets. His 16 goals this season prove he's on the verge of reaching that elite winger status the club envisioned when they signed him. With Salah potentially departing, Gakpo could be the man to step up and shoulder the goalscoring burden. He's getting better with each passing season, and next year could be his true breakout campaign.

A Liverpool side without Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold? For some, it's unthinkable. But with no new deals agreed, that reality is creeping closer. However, with these additions and Slot at the helm, the transition may not be as painful as many fear.

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