Steven Gerrard has cautioned Liverpool that Manchester City will be their primary challengers in the race for the Premier League title next season, while he has dismissed Manchester United as serious contenders. After Arne Slot’s impressive first season at the helm, Liverpool are set to defend their 20th league crown in the 2025/26 campaign, and Gerrard has outlined the key threats they face.
Liverpool clinched the title this season by finishing 10 points ahead of Arsenal, securing their first Premier League triumph since 2020 with a dominant victory over Tottenham on April 27. The Reds led the league in goals scored—largely due to Mohamed Salah’s 29-goal haul—and had the second-best defensive record.
Looking to strengthen their squad during the summer transfer window, Liverpool have already secured Jeremie Frimpong and are in pursuit of his former Bayer Leverkusen teammate, Florian Wirtz. While Slot is expected to shape a refreshed squad over the summer, Gerrard anticipates stiffer competition ahead.
Speaking to TNT Sports, he said, “It’s the toughest league in the world. Liverpool know City will bounce back, Arsenal are improving, Chelsea are progressing well, and both Newcastle and Aston Villa are emerging as strong sides.
“Liverpool now have a target on their back. But based on current signs, they’ll be active in the transfer market, and remain the team to beat.”
Manchester City, who ended the season third—just three points behind Arsenal—fell out of the title race early on but are expected to return stronger. With Pep Guardiola extending his stay and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri set to be fit for the new season, City are likely to be formidable once again.
Gerrard continued, “You have to respect City and Guardiola, the best manager in the world. Winning four titles in a row is remarkable. They really missed Rodri, but with a full squad and new signings expected, whoever finishes above City will win the league—and I hope that’s Liverpool.”
In contrast, Manchester United endured a poor season, finishing 15th in Ruben Amorim’s first campaign, and missing out on European football after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham. A significant squad overhaul is expected, beginning with the imminent arrival of Matheus Cunha for £62.5 million.
However, United are still far from being serious contenders, as Amorim acknowledged last month: “We’re not yet ready to compete in the Premier League or the Champions League.”