Former Manchester United defender and football pundit Rio Ferdinand has made another bold prediction about the Premier League title race for the 2025/26 season. According to him, only Liverpool and Manchester City possess the quality, depth, and ambition required to realistically fight for the trophy.
After Liverpool’s impressive campaign under new manager Arne Slot, which ended with them lifting the Premier League title by a comfortable ten-point margin over Arsenal, Ferdinand believes they’ve re-established themselves as a dominant force.
Liverpool’s Ambitious Rebuild Under Arne Slot
Under the leadership of Arne Slot, Liverpool not only won the league but did so in commanding fashion. Their high-intensity style of play and consistent performances helped them seal the title weeks before the season concluded.
Even in the transfer market, Liverpool have wasted no time in reinforcing their squad. Despite losing right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, the Merseyside club responded strongly by signing Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez—all highly rated talents who were being monitored by Europe’s elite.
This transfer activity further validates Ferdinand’s confidence in Liverpool’s chances. “You can’t ignore a team that just won the league and is making smart, aggressive moves in the transfer market,” he noted during a segment on Rio Ferdinand Presents.
Manchester City Still a Powerhouse
Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, remain a perennial threat. Although they lost their domestic crown to Liverpool, City have already begun reloading for the new season with acquisitions such as Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Rayan Ait-Nouri—signings that significantly boost their squad depth and tactical flexibility.
Ferdinand praised both City and Liverpool for having clear visions and transfer strategies. “The way Liverpool and City operate in the market shows how serious they are. They move fast, target top talent, and close deals efficiently,” said the ex-England international.
He even pointed out how Liverpool’s ability to beat out other top clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich for players like Wirtz shows their growing pull and professionalism. “It tells you everything when a player chooses Liverpool over other European giants. It’s about the project, the clarity, and the ambition,” he added.
Arsenal Lacking the Firepower?
While Arsenal finished as runners-up last season, Ferdinand expressed skepticism about their ability to maintain a full-season title challenge. According to him, the Gunners have yet to make significant moves in the transfer window and might fall behind if they don’t act soon.
“So far, Arsenal look like they’re lagging behind. They haven’t made any statement signings,” Ferdinand commented. “They’re linked with a few names like Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško, but nothing’s materialized yet. Meanwhile, their confirmed additions are Christian Nørgaard, who’s already 31, Kepa Arrizabalaga, who barely played for Chelsea, and possibly Martín Zubimendi.”
He went on to question whether these signings are enough to compete with Liverpool and City. “Arsenal have the potential, no doubt. But right now, potential isn’t enough. They need proven firepower up front and reinforcements on the wings if they want to go the distance,” he concluded.
A Two-Horse Race?
In summary, Rio Ferdinand sees next season’s Premier League campaign shaping up as a two-horse race between Liverpool and Manchester City. While acknowledging Arsenal’s progress, he doesn’t believe they’re yet equipped to sustain a title bid over a demanding 38-game season.
“Arsenal might make a strong push in the first half of the season—maybe even six months—but when it comes to sustaining that level until May, only City and Liverpool have what it takes,” said Ferdinand.
With the new season just around the corner, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether Ferdinand’s prediction holds true—or if Arsenal or another contender can upset the established order.
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