Liverpool will be looking ahead to a hectic summer now that the 2025/2026 season has come to a close. The Reds finished up the campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to Brentford, leaving them fifth in the table.
Many believe major summer surgery on the transfer front is needed if Arne Slot and his team are to mount a serious title challenge next year.
The Reds’ defence of their 20th top-flight crown petered out with a whimper last season as Arsenal and Manchester City went head-to-head. The Gunners ultimately sealed their first championship in 22 years, leaving Liverpool with much work to do if they’re to wrestle the title back from Mikel Arteta’s champions.
However, if they are to mount a challenge, they’ll have to do it without Mohamed Salah, who has played his last game for the club. Today’s Liverpool latest sees Salah unleash a parting message to Slot, while a Reds icon has issued a dreary prognosis about next season that no Liverpool fan will want to hear.
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen doesn’t believe Liverpool will be in a position to challenge Arsenal for the Premier League title next season. Owen, who scored 158 goals for the Reds, thinks both Manchester United and City have a better chance at overhauling Arteta’s side.
“I think a challenge next season is only going to come from Manchester,” the ex-England striker told Metro. “I think Man City will be strong. They ran Arsenal very close this season and have a good group of young players who have shown will be in a title race next season and with two domestic cups, they will come back stronger.
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“And it’s been a while but Manchester United can be a title contender under Michael Carrick. You look at their form since he arrived and it’s definitely one of a title contender. Liverpool will hope to challenge, but they need to get everything right to do so and I’m not sure they are there just yet.”
View 3 ImagesFormer Liverpool forward Michael Owen has sent a warning to Arne Slot(Image: (James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images))
Owen’s forecast is a bleak one for fans to take considering, next season, both Manchester sides will be under managers who have never won a Premier League before.
If City are to mount an assault on the title, they’ll have to do it without the legendary Pep Guardiola, who is leaving the club this summer. United will be under the guidance of Michael Carrick, who signed a long-term deal on Friday after he took over from Ruben Amorim in January.
Salah sent a final message to Liverpool fans after their match against Brentford. But he spoke to his team-mates in training before that in a clip that has emerged from behind-the-scenes, urging Slot and the players to revert to winning ways. The winger, and the outgoing Andy Robertson, were presented with gifts by the club to mark their nine years at Liverpool before the Brentford game.
Salah, who fired a controversial warning via social media just under two weeks ago regarding Liverpool’s poor form this season, reiterated his point in person to his now ex-teammates and the club’s coaching staff, including Slot.
View 3 ImagesMohamed Salah and Arne Slot haven’t always be on the same page this season(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“Wait, one more thing I want to say,” Salah said in front of the Liverpool squad. “Being Liverpool, to win something for Liverpool and win games, it’s the best thing that could happen to you.
“I think it’s the best club in the world when you win something – and the worst club in the world when you lose. So you better win next year.
“I don’t want to be emotional today, because tomorrow’s going to be an emotional day. But I have really appreciated every moment I’ve had at this club, I had a great time with all of you, and it’s something I will take in the future. So thank you very much and hopefully I will see you soon again.”
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