Liverpool's pursuit of young talent, including the trio of Victor Munoz, Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet, points to an exciting future – but what could the Reds' dream XI look like in the years to come?
08:15, 20 Jun 2026
Andoni Iraola the head coach / manager of Bournemouth after the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Manchester City
Andoni Iraola is preparing for a big summer with Liverpool in the summer transfer window(Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))
Liverpool's capture of Victor Munoz from Osasuna signals the Reds' intent to introduce fresh, young talent into its ranks.
The 22-year-old Spanish winger will represent Andoni Iraola's first signing as head coach, and underlines Liverpool's ambition to reduce the average age of a squad that currently stands at 26.1.
The club's recruitment activity has seen it linked with a string of promising youngsters. Speculation surrounding 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande and 18-year-old Moroccan prospect Ayyoub Bouaddi further illustrates Liverpool's desire to cultivate a formidable young dynasty. So, what might the club's ideal first XI look like in the years ahead?
With $159 million (£120M) worth of talent already secured in Munoz, Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet set to feature prominently, the foundations are already in place — but more on that shortly.
Alisson, 33, is widely anticipated to depart when his contract expires next season. Liverpool will face a pivotal decision regarding who occupies the goalkeeper's position, and while Giorgi Mamardashvili has filled in this campaign, the Reds would be well advized to bring Caoimhin Kelleher back to the club.
Kelleher, 27, departed for Brentford last summer, but Liverpool requires a goalkeeper with experience on the grandest stage and familiarity with Anfield. The fact that the Republic of Ireland international has only developed further since his departure makes a return appear obvious.
Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher
Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher
Leoni, 19, arrived from Parma last summer for $35M (£26M) but sustained a serious ACL injury in his first-ever start. He will return even more determined and claim his position in the Reds' defensive line.
The acquisition of French center-back Jacquet, 20, from Rennes in January for $80M (£60M) also demonstrates shrewd succession planning as the club prepares to replace captain Virgil van Dijk, who turns 35 this summer. The pair also fill the void left by Ibrahima Konate, who departed this month.
At right-back, Conor Bradley, 22, merits an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities upon his return from an extended absence. Milos Kerkez, also 22, will slot in at left-back and stands to gain from reuniting with Iraola following their spell together at Bournemouth.
Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kit
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£85
LFC Shop
Buy Now on LFC Shop
Liverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.
The midfield has posed a puzzle for Liverpool this season. In the center, Liverpool should pursue 22-year-old Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace, who will operate as a defensive shield, safeguarding the back four and providing it with its first genuine No.6 since Fabinho.
Florian Wirtz, who remains just 23, will have freedom to roam but can also tuck in when necessary. His ability is simply too exceptional to overlook.
The arrival of Munoz will provide Iraola with pace and flexibility as he settles into the left wing position. On the right is Rio Ngumoha, with the 17-year-old undoubtedly amongst the most thrilling prospects in the Premier League.
Victor Munoz of Spain celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the International Friendly match between Spain and Serbia
Victor Munoz will join Liverpool from Osasuna this summer(Image: (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images))
Article continues below
While Diomande could serve as an option for either flank, the huge valuation being quoted by RB Leipzig means the Reds may simply allow Munoz and Nguomha to flourish on the wings instead.
The forward line speaks for itself. The lethal partnership of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak is yet to catch fire due to injuries, but with the former only 23 and Isak only 26, they could spearhead Liverpool's attack for another five seasons and still be at their peak.
Liverpool's dream future XI: Caoimhin Kelleher; Milos Kerkez, Giovanni Leoni, Jeremy Jacquet, Conor Bradley; Adam Wharton, Florian Wirtz, Victor Munoz, Rio Nguomha; Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak.