LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 25: (L-R) Konstantinos Tsimikas, Conor Bradley, Andrew Robertson, Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott celebrate with a trophy as Liverpool are crowned the Champions of the Premier League for the 2024/25 Season, following the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield on May 25, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 25: (L-R) Konstantinos Tsimikas, Conor Bradley, Andrew Robertson, Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott celebrate with a trophy as Liverpool are crowned the Champions of the Premier League for the 2024/25 Season, following the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield on May 25, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
If Arne Slot admitted he was grappling with whether to feature Trent Alexander-Arnold here, it was nothing compared to the quandary facing Liverpool supporters over how to react to the departing right-back. Battle lines had clearly been drawn a fortnight ago with the abuse from a loud minority in the home draw against Arsenal.
That was Alexander-Arnold’s first appearance since confirming he will leave when his contract expires next month with Real Madrid his expected next destination.
There was, then, understandably bated breath when the name of the right-back, once again among the substitutes, was read out before kick-off. But that the cheers were deliberately loud enough to drown out any jeers set the tone.
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That may have convinced Slot there would be no issue when deciding to introduce Alexander-Arnold at the start of the second half for the below-par Conor Bradley.
In terms of the game, Alexander-Arnold gave a glimpse of what Liverpool will be missing with both his dead-ball delivery and excellent range of passing even if, after limited minutes of late, he was understandably a little rusty.
And when the time came for Alexander-Arnold – who was in tears at the final whistle – to step up and accept his Premier League title winners’ medal, the verdict of supporters was delivered by their emotionally positive response. This was the end of a glorious era.
Transfer changes imminent
They won’t all be quite as contentious. But Alexander-Arnold won’t be the only one to have now played his last game for Liverpool.
Planning for the title defence is already well underway with a move for right-back Jeremie Frimpong close to completion and talks having started over a potential club record deal for his Bayer Leverkusen team-mate, attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz. Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is already on his way.
More will come, with Liverpool favourites to sign Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, who teased a potential move later on Sunday. But Arne Slot explaining over the weekend he would rather not work with an oversized squad was a reminder that departures are now imminent.
Darwin Nunez, lively in his cameo from the bench, is one whose future is uncertain, so too Diogo Jota, who struck the post during his stint as substitute. Then there are the likes of Harvey Elliott, Caoimhin Kelleher, Federico Chiesa, Kostas Tsimikas and Joe Gomez, along with youngsters such as Tyler Morton.
Their post-match celebrations may, like Alexander-Arnold, have been tinged with if not sadness, but then an awareness that change could well be coming. What’s certain is this was the last time this group of title winners will be together as a Liverpool squad.
Celebrate Liverpool's Premier League trophy lift and iconic parade with perfect souvenir
This Liverpool ECHO special edition looks back at a remarkable season, but is packed full of images from both the trophy lift at Anfield and the parade through the streets of the city.
There are features, reaction from players and staff, analysis of how the title was won as well as player ratings and a focus on the boss himself - Arne!
Click the link here to buy online and have it delivered directly to your door, or you can purchase it in participating supermarkets, high street retailers, and independent newsagents from May 29, 2025. Online postage and packaging costs apply.
And make sure you buy your bumper edition of the ECHO on Monday, May 26 and Tuesday, May 27. You can also buy them online here. Postage and package costs apply.
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You can also buy our 48-page keepsake from when Liverpool confirmed the title with victory over Spurs here!
And you can also order a copy of the Monday, April 28 Liverpool ECHO celebrating Liverpool's triumph direct to your home on our online store.
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Also available is the Liverpool FC CHAMP20NS: Premier League winners 24/25, with a double sided poster.
Pre-order here: https://reachsportshop.com/special_edition/liverpool-fc-champ20ns-premier-league-winners-24-25/
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Slot salute as Klopp celebrates
The final word, though, must go to Slot. It would be no exaggeration to state many Liverpool supporters – and some journalists – were scouring the internet for more information on the Dutchman when it emerged he would be the successor to Jurgen Klopp.
Following in those footsteps would be no easy task for anyone, let alone someone still in the early stages of their managerial career and who had no previous experience of working in English football.
But Slot has fully embraced not only the ethos of the club and its winning culture, but also the expectation that comes along with being Liverpool boss.
What’s more, he has done it his way with a squad inherited from Klopp, who was watching on from the Main Stand on his first return to Anfield since leaving the club and couldn’t resist a trademark fist-pump when Mohamed Salah struck his late leveller. Old habits really do die hard.
Former Liverpool managers Kenny Dalglish, Rafael Benitez and Roy Evans were also in attendance. Now Slot’s name among the Anfield pantheon has been secured.