Manchester City are miles away from the Premier League title race this season - but will be confident of taking their crown back from Liverpool next term
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Kyle Walker of Manchester City lifts the Premier League trophy on May 19, 2024. Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Kyle Walker of Manchester City lifts the Premier League trophy on May 19, 2024. Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Manchester City probably need three players in the summer to challenge for the 2026 Premier League title. So will Liverpool at this rate.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's possible move to Real Madrid, reportedly moving closer this week, has sent sections of the Liverpool fanbase into meltdown. Their hometown hero is now a traitor, running down his contract to jump ship. The man who riled City by saying their titles didn't mean as much as Liverpool's due to the money, is now joining famous underdogs Real Madrid.
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If Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk follow him out of Anfield it would remove three iconic Premier League players. They deserve the title they will win this season - but next year's defence won't be as straightforward by any means.
Liverpool have benefitted from their main rivals all having various crises this season. City and Arsenal have had key injuries to important players and their remaining players have lacked the physical or mental ability to keep up. Chelsea, Tottenham and United have blown apart the notion of big six group of clubs, with Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth showing them up with solid signings, a clear identity and good managers.
Expect the bruised 'big six' to open their chequebooks and come back with a point to prove next season. City have already spent £180m in January to get that process started and you wouldn't bet against a similar outlay in the summer - a goalkeeper, full-back and midfielder feel like logical places to start, especially with the futures of Ederson and Kevin De Bruyne (among others) in doubt.
If City can welcome back Rodri, continue to phase in their January signings and make some key additions to strengthen priority positions, they will be confident of returning to the title race next term.
Liverpool have already shown signs of stumbling as the end is in sight, crashing out of three competitions in the last 10 games including a poor Carabao Cup final defeat. Take their three best players away and add a bit of pressure and Guardiola's men won't fear anyone.
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