Liverpool enter the 2026-27 Premier League season under new head coach Andoni Iraola, who faces the dual challenge of replacing Mohamed Salah and restoring confidence at Anfield after a disappointing title defence under Arne Slot. Iraola, previously courted by Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace following his impressive work at Bournemouth, was reportedly told by the owners from the outset that the job would involve significant challenges, including injuries and the loss of key players. His track record of tactical problem-solving will be tested as he looks to get more from Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, both of whom endured underwhelming debut campaigns.

Guardian writers have tipped Liverpool to finish fourth this season, an improvement on last term's fifth-place finish. Off the pitch, there has been considerable upheaval, with Michael Edwards departing as chief executive of football and sporting director Richard Hughes expected to follow once the transfer window closes. The most significant development is the arrival of a new investment consortium, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and Amit Bhatia, which has bought a 30% stake in the club for £1.65bn, with Bhatia becoming vice-chairman on an expanded board.