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Liverpool’s preparations for the 2025/26 campaign are certainly going along nicely, although Arne Slot still has a big decision to make with his squad ahead of the new season.
The Reds are currently in Hong Kong as they begin their tour of Asia, having already won friendlies against Preston and Stoke City this month. What’s more, they look set to be joined by another new signing very soon.
Hugo Ekitike is on his way to the UK for his medical, with the striker expected to join up with his new teammates once he completes his $106 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt.
From there, he will be aiming to play a part in friendlies against AC Milan and Japanese side Yokohama F Marinos, before the Reds return to Anfield for a double header against Athletic Bilbao on August 4.
The Community Shield then awaits on August 10, with Liverpool taking on Crystal Palace at Wembley, before the Premier League season kicks off against Bournemouth on August 15.
Before the Reds host the Cherries though, Slot will have to appoint a new vice-captain to work as deputy to Virgil van Dijk. Trent Alexander-Arnold held the role for the past two seasons, but with him now at Real Madrid, the position is open for one of his former teammates to step into.
There are some obvious candidates, as well as a few wildcards who might come into Slot’s thinking. Liverpool.com has assessed all the options…
Mohamed Salah
Probably the most obvious candidate, Mohamed Salah has already captained Liverpool on a few occasions, including the friendly against Preston earlier this month.
There's little doubt about his place in the side, and his exemplary fitness means he rarely misses any games, so he would be a clear pick should Van Dijk be forced to sit on the sidelines for any length of time.
Plus, we've seen how he responds when given extra responsibility, with last season resulting in him finishing as the Premier League's top scorer after essentially being given more freedom by Slot in order to lead the Reds' charge.
And there aren't many players who would inspire others like the Egyptian, given his feats at Anfield over the years. Salah certainly seems like the obvious choice, although there are a couple more contenders.
Alisson Becker
A player just as important as Van Dijk or Salah on his day, Alisson is already part of the leadership group that was originally set up by Jurgen Klopp, and there's no doubt he is one of the leaders in the squad.
Even with Giorgi Mamardashvili arriving, the Brazilian should hold onto his No.1 spot next season, and hopefully he can avoid the injuries that have plagued him in recent seasons.
That is perhaps the main thing that works against making Alisson vice-captain, along with the fact that Mamardashvili's arrival might suggest Liverpool is already preparing for his departure, with his contract expiring next summer, although the Reds do have the option of a further 12 months.
Andy Robertson
Already captain of his country, Andy Robertson would perhaps be ahead of Salah in the pecking order for the role of vice-captain were it not for the fact that the process of replacing him already looks to be underway.
Milos Kerkez's arrival signals a changing of the guard at left-back, with the Hungarian expected to be the long-term option for Liverpool now, and he's likely to go straight in from the start of next season.
Robertson should still get plenty of game time, although he's far less of a guaranteed starter now after what was a disappointing 2024/25 season by his usual high standards.
The wildcards
There are a few other options that may come into consideration for Slot, not least Alexis Mac Allister.
The midfielder may still be trying to build up his fitness at the moment, but he is generally a dependable presence in the team, and he was made part of the leadership group last season.
He'd also be a more long-term solution than the likes of Salah or Alisson, and might be viewed as a potential successor to Van Dijk in the future.
Others that could be under consideration are Dominik Szoboszlai, who is already captain of Hungary, although his role in the side might still need to be decided following Florian Wirtz's arrival.
Wataru Endo is another who captains his country, although he is unlikely to get that much game time with Liverpool next season, while Joe Gomez might feel he should be under consideration as well given he is the club's longest-serving player.
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