Paul Scholes Claims Liverpool Have a Major ‘Issue’ Ahead of 2025-26 Season | OneFootball

Liverpool Warned Over Title Challenge by Paul Scholes as Arne Slot Gears up for New Season

Liverpool are on the brink of another historic campaign under Arne Slot, with the chance to secure a record-breaking 21st Premier League title. After matching Manchester United’s tally in his first season at Anfield, Slot now faces the task of keeping his side at the summit while fending off resurgent rivals.

The Dutchman has already shown his credentials by guiding Liverpool to the title last term, and sporting director Richard Hughes has backed him with significant summer investment. The standout signing so far has been Florian Wirtz, who arrived for a club-record fee and is expected to become a central figure in the Reds’ attacking plans.

Paul Scholes Identifies Defensive Weakness

While optimism is high, former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has expressed concern over Liverpool’s squad depth in defence. Speaking on The Overlap, Scholes admitted, “[You] can’t look past Liverpool, I don’t think. But I still think they need a new centre-half. If one of them gets injured, that could be an issue.”

Those comments come as Liverpool prepare for the Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace with only Ibrahima Konate fully fit among their senior central defenders. Jarrel Quansah has been sold to Bayer Leverkusen, Joe Gomez is sidelined through injury, and Trey Nyoni’s brief experiment as a makeshift centre-back ended prematurely after he was forced off against Athletic Bilbao.

Central Defence Remains a Major Concern

Liverpool’s backline issues echo the 2020–21 campaign, when an injury crisis forced Jordan Henderson and Fabinho into defensive roles, and the season ended with Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips as the regular pairing. Slot will be keen to avoid a repeat, but with the clock ticking towards the 1 September transfer deadline, the need for reinforcements is pressing.

Virgil van Dijk remains a commanding presence, but at 34, his minutes will need careful management. Konate’s fitness record has been inconsistent, and his contract situation adds uncertainty, with talks ongoing to extend a deal that expires next summer.

Striking Balance in Recruitment

While supporters are excited by the prospect of adding Alexander Isak to a dynamic new attack, defensive recruitment cannot be overlooked. The Premier League title race can be unforgiving, and without adequate cover in central defence, even a short-term injury could derail Slot’s ambitions.

With the season about to begin, Liverpool have the quality to go all the way again, but as Paul Scholes has pointed out, their ability to keep the trophy at Anfield may depend on one more key signing before the window closes.