There might still be a few months of the 2025/26 season left to play, but Liverpool have already completed their first acquisition of the summer. Arne Slot's side have concluded a deal for Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet.
Although the 20-year-old had been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, the Merseysiders beat the Blues to the talented youngster's signature. The deal is expected to cost in the region of £60m with add-ons, with Jacquet likely to partner Virgil van Dijk as a potential replacement for Ibrahima Konate, who is out of contract in the summer.
But the young French defender is likely to be just one bit of business the Reds conclude in the off-season, as they seek to revamp their squad and get back to challenging for the Premier League title after a season where they have largely fallen short of expectations. Having been linked with several other talents, they could set out their exceptionally talented team in a variety of ways in 2026/27.
Option One: Stick With a 4-2-3-1
Stade Rennes' Jeremy Jacquet in action with Paris St Germain's Bradley Barcola
Although Slot's position in the Anfield dugout is by no means secure for next season, right now, the Dutchman is set to be the man in charge of Liverpool when 2026/27 kicks off. If that remains the case, then there's likely to be little change in shape.
Sticking to their preferred 4-2-3-1 would also enable incoming personnel to learn from teammates with regard to style of play, and there are changes across the board. In defence there's a completely new centre-back partnership as Jacquet lines up next to Van Dijk. But changes on the right side might not stop there.
Liverpool have been heavily linked with Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries, as they seek additional reinforcements in that part of the backline. Hailed as 'world-class' after establishing himself as one of the better wing-backs in Europe's top five leagues, the Dutch international offers plenty going forward, while also being more defensively sound than Jeremie Frimpong.
Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are the team's natural pivot options in midfield, while Florian Wirtz takes up his preferred position as the team's number 10. But with Mohamed Salah's Liverpool future still up for debate following his outburst in December, a change could be made on the right flank.
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If they are in need of wide attacking options, the club could do worse than Juventus' Kenan Yildiz, who they hold an interest in. Although his preferred position is on the left, he is capable of playing on the opposite wing, having lined up there on 17 occasions. Having the 20-year-old on one side and Cody Gakpo on the other would be an excellent combination, and a dream for either one of Hugo Ekitike or Alexander Isak.
Liverpool's potential line-up in 2026/27 (4-2-3-1)
Option Two: Play 4-4-2 With Isak and Ekitike
Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike comes on as a substitute to replace Alexander Isak
One issue Liverpool have rarely had to deal with this year is what to do when both Isak and Ekitike are fit and firing, due to the former's injury problems. That is unlikely to continue into the new term, but it begs the question of how the team might look should neither wish to stay on the bench.
In their Champions League match against Frankfurt, Slot started both strikers in a 4-4-2 formation, which might be the best way to include all of Liverpool's attacking options. The backline remains unchanged, with both Jacquet and Dumfries keeping their places in the team.
In midfield, Liverpool can afford to play the more attacking Dominik Szoboszlai instead of Mac Allister, with the Hungarian in much better form than his teammate this season. In the match against Frankfurt, Wirtz was moved to the right of the pitch, which would then allow Yildiz to play in his preferred position on the left.
Liverpool's potential line-up in 2026/27 (4-4-2)
Option Three: Move to a Back Three
virgil van dijk liverpool-1
This feels like the most unlikely option, but an argument could definitely be made that Liverpool's squad have all the pieces to play a back three formation. Giovanni Leoni impressed during his debut for the club against Southampton before picking up a season-ending ACL injury, and feels the most likely option to fill the remaining centre-back role in this shape — although you feel the club could do with more cover in this area should they play this system.
The main advantage of this shape, though, is that it allows both Milos Kerkez and one of Jeremie Frimpong or Dumfries to play as wing-backs, therefore maximising their attacking threat while reducing their potential defensive errors.
Once again, Szoboszlai and Gravenberch anchor the midfield, but there are then two options for the front three. Liverpool could either go down the route that Thomas Tuchel did at Chelsea and start Yildiz and Wirtz behind a striker, or they could play both Ekitike and Isak while having one of the two attacking midfielders as their playmaker. Either way you spin it, it's a lethal trio that would be nightmare fuel for Premier League defences.
Liverpool's potential line-up in 2026/27 (3-4-2-1)