4 things that definitely happen to Liverpool in 2026 including new signings and Florian Wirtz change

Liverpool had an eventful 2025 and heads into the new year with ambitions of at least making the Champions League spots - and maybe more if the recent upturn continues

Liverpool and Germany star Florian Wirtz will be hoping for a big 2026(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

For Liverpool, the year 2025 came with mixed emotions. There was the extreme high of securing the Premier League title, and the extreme low of losing Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva.

Those two moments, plus the title parade, which started joyously and ended in chaos, will come to define the 12-month period. Arne Slot lifted the trophy fans coveted most, but also suffered a run that saw some call for him to be fired.

Looking ahead to the new year, then, comes with some uncertainty. Liverpool is still edging closer to getting back to the level that it wants to be at, with more improvement required in the coming weeks and beyond. Here are the four things you can definitely watch out for in 2026.

Mohamed Salah decision

While he might be out of sight at AFCON for the time being — something that came at a good time after his public outburst — Mohamed Salah will return to Liverpool in January and a decision will have to be made.

Salah showed against Brighton that he is still more than capable of being a quality option for Arne Slot and the decision, really, will be down to him. Is he prepared to knuckle down, or does he believe his status is big enough not to have to?

Arne Slot and Mohamed Salah during a Liverpool training session(Image: Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

If Salah is prepared to play a role, Liverpool will have a greater chance of success this season. No player is bigger than the team, however, and what the future holds — in the more immediate term, at least — will largely hinge on him.

More signings incoming

Whether it is in January or not, Liverpool will have to make more signings in 2026. Marc Guehi seems an obvious target at center-back, while the other positions will depend on exits, to an extent.

Signing another forward — considering the Salah situation and Federico Chiesa's continued lack of action — seems a likely need to emerge and adding some more depth in midfield might be a good idea.

Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace remains a target for Liverpool(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)

Center-back aside, there is no glaring requirement right now. Depending on exits, contracts and other moving parts, though, there will be more additions to get excited about this year. The question is more about the position.

Arne Slot clarity

There was a point at which it was legitimate to ask if Arne Slot would still be in charge of Liverpool for much longer, only a few weeks ago. His position since then, though, has strengthened.

Slot came out of the Salah situation well, and results have since seen an uptick. While winning games is the only thing that will keep him in his post in the long run, Liverpool does look better positioned to pick them up now.

Arne Slot and some of his Liverpool coaches look on during a training session(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

The rot, it appears, has stopped. Liverpool has not been perfect in recent weeks, but better. And with the summer signings starting to look a little more settled — especially Wirtz, and the injured Alexander Isak aside — that can only help.

Florian Wirtz properly ignites

Liverpool has begun to see a little more from Florian Wirtz in recent weeks, but there are still many more levels to come. Off the mark in terms of Premier League assists, it won't be long before he adds his name to the scoresheet too.

Wirtz is simply too good not to work out in England, and now that he is getting up to speed in the Premier League, the German is starting to really leave his mark on things.

At 22, it was always going to take some time to adjust. Now, though, he is ready to show his true worth. Hopefully, that can continue in the final game of 2026 against Wolves. In the new year, it certainly will.