Liverpool Crowned Champions: Jermaine Pennant Reflects on Glory and Summer Transfer Hopes

Liverpool have finally done it. The Reds have wrapped up the Premier League title, pulling level with bitter rivals Manchester United on a joint-record 20 English top-flight titles. Riding high on this historic achievement, former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant shared his thoughts on the team’s triumph — and his hopes for the summer transfer window.

Pennant Reveals His Scepticism After Slot’s Appointment

Liverpool’s triumph was anything but expected. With limited summer investment and a new manager in Arne Slot, few would have predicted the Reds’ rise to the top. Even Pennant admits he was cautiously optimistic at best.

“As a Liverpool fan, I am over the moon,” Pennant said.

“At the start of the season, I would’ve been happy just finishing in the Champions League spots.”

Pennant also admitted to his doubts when Slot was appointed:

“I saw a stat before the season that Liverpool only had a 5.1% chance of winning the title. I didn’t know much about Arne Slot, and when I heard he was Dutch, I thought of other Dutch managers like Erik ten Hag, who hasn’t worked out at United.”

“But to come in and win the league, it’s a dream come true. And he’s done it with basically no signings. Chiesa played a few games here and there, but Slot has to be very happy and optimistic about this Liverpool side.”

Liverpool’s Need for a New Number Nine

Looking ahead, Pennant believes the club must strengthen up front, especially with Darwin Núñez expected to depart after a frustrating stint on Merseyside.

Liverpool have been linked to strikers like Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike. Ekitike has scored 15 goals in 30 Bundesliga games, while Isak has netted 22 in 31 Premier League appearances — both upgrades, Pennant argues.

“Liverpool definitely need a striker,” Pennant stressed. “The fans have been patient with Núñez, but I think we’ll 100% see him leave this summer.”

“They need someone who scores goals and likes to get on the ball. Firmino was perfect in that sense. Isak can do it, Ekitike can do it — we’ve seen that at Frankfurt. They’re better versions of Núñez, especially in front of goal.”

Adam Wharton: A Promising Midfield Target

While Liverpool previously chased a holding midfielder like Martín Zubimendi, who now seems Arsenal-bound, the emergence of Adam Wharton has caught Pennant’s eye. Despite Ryan Gravenberch impressing as a makeshift No. 6, Pennant believes Wharton could be a smart addition.

“Gravenberch has done absolutely amazing there, so if we have to stick with him, no one would complain. But competition is always good.”

“Wharton is really good. Every time I’ve seen him, he’s been immense — great at tackling, excellent vision, and calm in tight spaces.”

“He’s young and only going to get better. Any player with that age and talent would be amazing, and if Liverpool went for him, it would be a great signing.”

Read Pennant's thoughts on how his former clubs Leeds, Stoke and Birmingham have fared this season