Steven Gerrard has issued a heads-up to Liverpool, suggesting Manchester City will be its main contender for the Premier League crown next term, while downplaying Manchester United's chances of being in the mix. The Reds will be defending their 20th league title in the 2025/26 season after Arne Slot's impressive first year at the helm, with Gerrard pinpointing the teams that could pose a threat.
Liverpool ended the season 10 points ahead of Arsenal, clinching a first championship since 2020 with a resounding victory over Tottenham on April 27. A formidable attack was spearheaded by Mohamed Salah, who netted 29 times, contributing to the Reds having the most potent offense and the second-sturdiest defense in the league.
With ambitions to bolster the ranks during the summer transfer window, Liverpool has already secured Jeremie Frimpong and is pursuing Florian Wirtz, another Bayer Leverkusen standout. While Slot is tasked with assembling a refreshed squad, Gerrard anticipates stiffer competition in the upcoming campaign.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Gerrard remarked: "It's the most difficult league in the world.
"Liverpool will be well aware that City are going to come back, Arsenal are looking stronger again, the likes of Chelsea are building nicely, Newcastle, Villa are coming in behind."
He further noted: "Liverpool will be well aware that they're going to be the ones that are hunted now. But evidence suggests that Liverpool are going to be strong in the transfer market, so Liverpool are the team to catch for sure."
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, celebrates with the Premier League 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 Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Liverpool will be aiming to defend its Premier League title next season (Image: undefined via Getty Images)
After a comeback that landed them third in the Premier League, Manchester City finished just three points behind second-placed Arsenal – making it the third consecutive occasion for the Gunners holding that spot.
City's aspirations for the title dwindled early on, but with Pep Guardiola committing to a fresh contract and their pivotal Ballon d'Or-winning midfielder Rodri returning after injury, they look set for another strong season ahead.
Gerrard issued a cautionary note: "I think you've got to be wary of City and Guardiola. The best manager in the world. They've done it four years on the spin, they lost Rodri, which was a big blow to them.
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"I think with a fully fit squad, and they're going to recruit as well, the team that finishes above City will win it again and hopefully, that's Liverpool."
Meanwhile, United stumbled to a 15th place finish in Ruben Amorim's inaugural season, and the disappointment in the Europa League final versus Tottenham is a harsh prelude to a European football-free year. A widespread revamp awaits them this summer, as they prepare to welcome Matheus Cunha.
Nevertheless, Amorim acknowledges that improvements are needed before they can truly vie for the Premier League crown: "We are not ready to play in the Premier League, be competitive, and to be in the Champions League," he conceded recently.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Mirror by clicking here.