Dream Liverpool lineup for Premier League start following Luis Diaz’s decision and three transfers

Liverpool now knows who it will play and when during the 2024/25 Premier League season. Arne Slot and his crew have a lot of work to do before then to prepare.

Liverpool will travel to Ipswich Town on the first weekend of the new Premier League season, with Arne Slot’s team given a favourable schedule to begin the season.

While there is a visit to Manchester United in the first few weeks, the first encounter against a potential title contender does not arrive until the end of October, when they travel to Arsenal. Meanwhile, Arne Slot will enjoy his team’s prospects in early games against Brentford and Nottingham Forest, both of whom visit Anfield.

However, before the next Premier League season begins, Liverpool must make several decisions. New contracts for Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are still pending, and other large transfers are expected.

Luis Diaz is still connected with a move to Barcelona (and PSG has been mentioned as a possible destination if he leaves), but it remains to be seen whether anyone can put together a large enough transfer proposal to entice Liverpool. Before the next campaign begins, Slot requires greater offensive depth rather than less.

Keeping this in mind, another step forward should be considered. Yankuba Minteh appeared to be a viable alternative before those links were downplayed, while Johan Bakayoko has also been mentioned as a possibility. Anthony Gordon, while extremely pricey, would be a terrific addition to the left wing if Diaz were to leave. Last month, the Daily Star named him as an option.

In an ideal world, Liverpool would be able to recruit a world-class holding midfielder two years after missing out on Aurelien Tchouameni and 12 months after paying $125 million for Moises Caicedo. However, the market for quality players in the No. 6 position appears to be restricted, with Stefan Bajcetic returning from injury.

The most pressing transfer need, however, is for a new centre back. Leny Yoro has expressed interest, but appears to prefer a move to Real Madrid, therefore Liverpool will need to find another option. Someone with a high ceiling who is experienced but young would be ideal, while there are plenty names floating around at the moment.

Even with a signing in each of those positions, the Liverpool team that starts the season away at Ipswich is unlikely to be a million miles apart from the one that finished the previous season. After all, wholesale adjustments are unnecessary.

Alisson Becker and his back four will most likely remain unchanged, even if Trent Alexander-Arnold is still regarded as a midfielder, with only a few alterations ahead of them. A world-class holding midfielder would be ideal, but there are currently no apparent names available. A new defender is essential, though they may not start right away, and another attacker would be excellent in an already well-stocked front line.

Possible Liverpool starting lineup vs Ipswich on the first day: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, new center-back, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, new holding midfielder, Mac Allister; Salah, Jota, new forward (Gordon?).