Liverpool have endured a mixed 2025/26 campaign under Arne Slot, which currently sees them sitting sixth in the Premier League.
From a financial point of view, the Reds will survive without Champions League football.
However, going from league champions to potentially having to compete in the Europa League or Europa Conference League is not ideal.
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Liverpool did beat Newcastle United over the weekend, their first Premier League win of 2026.
But there is still talk around Xabi Alonso replacing Arne Slot in the dugout at some point.
Will Xabi Alonso be Liverpool manager by the start of the 2026/27 season?
If no, where will he be instead?
Xabi Alonso pictured during Real Madrid's La Liga match against Real Betis at the Bernabeu (Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto
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Wayne Rooney questions Liverpool’s midfield
Now, speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former Manchester United striker has shared his verdict on the Reds.
When doing so, he suggested that Liverpool’s midfield is their ‘big problem’ right now.
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The host said: “And Liverpool haven’t got everything right this season, but you have to say that is a sensational signing. And they are transitioning in front of our eyes to a team that was built around Salah, to a different model.”
Rooney responded: “It’s the midfield, isn’t it? The midfield is a big problem for them, I think. And the defence as well.”
In the centre of the pitch, we have seen Curtis Jones criticised by fans amid his inconsistent showings.
Dominik Szoboszlai, who has been Liverpool’s best player, has also been recruited to cover at right-back on a number of occasions.
Will Liverpool look to strengthen their midfield as a result of some issues this season? Well, a couple of players have been linked.
CHANGE MY MIND: This WILL be Liverpool’s best XI after Jacquet arrives!
Isak HAS to play and wing-backs will give Slot the pace he’s been crying out for…
Liverpool's 2026/27 predicted XI - GRV Media line-up
Liverpool’s 2026/27 predicted XI – GRV Media line-up
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Which midfielders could Liverpool sign in 2026
Kees Smit is expected to move in the summer after being mooted for a potential Anfield switch.
Slot knows the player well from their time at AZ Alkmaar together, while Smit has also been compared to Pedri.
Elsewhere, there has been some suggestion Liverpool could move for Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace in the summer.
Meanwhile, Rousing The Kop shared back in September that the Reds could target a defensive midfielder in 2026.
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