Peter Crouch: Liverpool will not win the title

18 August 2026 — Former England international and ex-Liverpool striker Peter Crouch offered a bleak assessment of his old club ahead of the new season, saying he does not expect Liverpool to win the Premier League and even casting doubt on their chances of finishing in the top four.

Squad departures and questions over replacements

Crouch pointed to the exits of important players in recent seasons as a major factor that has weakened the squad. "I'm not sure about this team. I think the new manager is excellent, but the departures of players in recent seasons have weakened them a lot. Have they been properly replaced? I'm not convinced," he said on That Peter Crouch Podcast.

While the former striker acknowledged the potential of new attacking options, he warned that additions alone may not restore Liverpool to title-winning status.

"It will be interesting to see Isak and Ekitike together up front when Ekitike recovers, but I don't think Liverpool can win the title this year," Crouch added, noting that the manager faces a difficult task to cover the squad's shortcomings.

His prediction that Liverpool could even miss out on a Champions League place is a stark warning as the season approaches; the club will need performances on the pitch to overturn his scepticism.

Photo: Liverpool FC (X)