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Reds brace for title defence
The Mercury
|August 12, 2025
LIVERPOOL have splashed out to defend their English Premier League crown but face stiff competition from an Arsenal side desperate to shed their “nearly men” tag and a rejuvenated Manchester City.
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After storming to a record-equalling 20th English topflight title in Arne Slot’s first season in charge, Liverpool have looked to build from a position of strength during a summer marked by tragedy.
Portuguese forward Diogo Jota was killed in a car accident alongside his brother last month, plunging the club into mourning. Tributes to Jota will continue throughout the season, with “Forever 20” - his shirt number, now retired - printed on Liverpool's jerseys.
The Reds have already spent £260 million (about R6.2bn) on Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. However, after the departures of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, they are expected to launch a fresh bid for Alexander Isak, with Newcastle demanding a British transfer record fee for the Swedish striker.
This story is from the August 12, 2025 edition of The Mercury.
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