Liverpool’s scintillating start to the 2025/26 Premier League season has been nothing short of spectacular, with Arne Slot’s side maintaining a perfect record after a hard-fought 2-1 Merseyside derby victory over Everton. Goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike secured bragging rights for the Reds, but behind the scenes, tensions are brewing at Anfield. A reported £100m transfer directive from Slot, coupled with Wayne Rooney’s explosive comments about Mohamed Salah’s reaction to Alexander Isak’s arrival, has sparked a whirlwind of speculation and intrigue.
The Reds’ triumph over Everton showcased their resilience, with Gravenberch’s goal and assist proving pivotal in a match that saw Idrissa Gueye pull one back for the Toffees. Despite Jack Grealish’s efforts to inspire an Everton comeback, Liverpool held firm, continuing their 100% start to the campaign. This victory followed a gruelling midweek win against Atletico Madrid, highlighting the squad’s depth and determination under Slot’s meticulous management.
However, the focus has shifted from the pitch to the dynamics within the squad, particularly following Wayne Rooney’s comments on BBC Radio 5 Live. The former Manchester United and Everton striker suggested that Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s talismanic figure, is unsettled by the arrival of Alexander Isak, the £125m record-breaking signing from Newcastle United. Rooney’s remarks have ignited discussions about a potential power struggle at Anfield.
Salah, who scored an astonishing 29 league goals during Liverpool’s title-winning campaign last season, remains the heartbeat of the team. With six goal contributions in as many games this term, the 33-year-old continues to defy expectations. However, Isak’s arrival has shifted the spotlight. The Swedish striker, who netted 27 goals for Newcastle last season, made his Premier League debut for Liverpool as a substitute against Everton. His £125m price tag has raised expectations, and Rooney believes this could bruise Salah’s pride.
“Even though Salah has been the best player at Liverpool for years, he won’t be happy that Isak has come in and is getting the attention,” Rooney said. “It’s a matter of personal pride; he will want to be the best.” Drawing from his own experience, Rooney added, “When we signed [Carlos] Tevez at Manchester United, I used to think, ‘There’s no way he is coming in to take my place.’ That naturally gives you a lift.”
Rooney speculated that Slot has a clear plan to integrate Isak gradually, potentially giving him a starting role in the coming weeks. “Liverpool will have a plan there for Isak,” he noted. “I can imagine they’ll get him in the team in two or three weeks’ time, and then it’s on him to keep his place.”
The dynamic between Salah and Isak could define Liverpool’s season. While Salah’s professionalism is unquestioned, any perceived threat to his status as the club’s leading star could create ripples in the dressing room. Slot will need to manage this situation carefully to maintain harmony within his title-chasing squad.
Amid the speculation surrounding Salah and Isak, Ryan Gravenberch has emerged as a shining light for Liverpool. The 23-year-old midfielder, signed from Bayern Munich for £34m in 2023, has transformed into a cornerstone of Slot’s system. His goal and assist against Everton underscored his growing influence, and former Liverpool striker Michael Owen believes Gravenberch’s value has skyrocketed.
“Bayern Munich must be scratching their heads, thinking ‘Why have we let him go?’ because he could be anything,” Owen said, as per Liverpool.com. “If he were playing for another team now, everybody would be after him as a new number sitting midfield player, thinking £100m plus.”
Gravenberch’s versatility has been a revelation. Deployed primarily as a No. 6, he has also shown his ability to impact games further forward, as evidenced by his derby heroics. Owen lavished praise on the Dutchman, stating, “He is seriously talented. I look around the world at midfield players and I think, ‘Who is better than him? Who is performing better than him?’ I don’t see many at all.”
Gravenberch’s meteoric rise has solved Liverpool’s long-standing issue in the defensive midfield role, a position that plagued them before his arrival. His performances have not only justified Slot’s faith but also silenced doubters who questioned his consistency during his debut season.
Adding fuel to the fire, reports suggest that Slot has issued a £100m transfer directive to bolster Liverpool’s squad further, a move that has sent shockwaves through Anfield. While details of the potential targets remain scarce, the directive underscores Slot’s ambition to maintain Liverpool’s dominance in the Premier League and compete on multiple fronts, including the upcoming Carabao Cup clash against Southampton.
The significant investment in Isak and the potential for another high-profile signing indicate that Liverpool’s hierarchy is fully behind Slot’s vision. However, the manager’s challenge will be to balance the egos of his star players while integrating new signings seamlessly. The reported tensions surrounding Salah could complicate these plans, particularly if the Egyptian feels his position is under threat.
As Liverpool prepare for their Carabao Cup tie against Southampton, all eyes will be on Slot’s team selection. Will Isak earn a start? Can Salah continue his prolific form? And will Gravenberch maintain his status as one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders? The answers to these questions could shape the narrative at Anfield in the coming weeks.
For now, Liverpool remain the team to beat, with Slot’s tactical acumen and the squad’s depth driving their early-season success. However, the potential for “chaos” looms large if the dynamics between Salah, Isak, and the club’s transfer strategy are not carefully managed. One thing is certain: Anfield is never short of drama, and this season promises to be no different.