Liverpool Strengthen Squad for Premier League Title Defense

Liverpool have spent £260 million on Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong after winning their 20th league title, also retiring Diogo Jota’s No. 20 shirt. Arsenal invested nearly £200 million, signing Viktor Gyokeres, while Manchester City added Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki to challenge for the title.

When the 2025-26 Premier League season kicks off, Liverpool will begin their title defense after a record-equalling 20th triumph under Arne Slot. The summer brought tragedy with the death of Diogo Jota, whose No. 20 shirt has been retired, and heavy spending of £260 million on Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong. With Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez departing, Liverpool are targeting Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.

Arsenal, runners-up for three straight seasons, invested nearly £200 million, adding Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera, Noni Madueke, and Kepa Arrizabalaga. Their hopes hinge on Viktor Gyokeres, who scored 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting Lisbon. Manchester City, seeking to reclaim the crown after four consecutive titles ended, will miss injured Rodri until September but strengthened with Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rayan Cherki.

Chelsea, fourth last season, look resurgent after winning the Club World Cup, with Joao Pedro scoring three in as many games following his £55 million move from Brighton. Manchester United revamped their attack with Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo after a 15th-place finish. Newly promoted Leeds, Sunderland, and Burnley aim to avoid immediate relegation, a fate suffered by all promoted sides over the past two seasons.