Liverpool are facing defensive challenges as the new Premier League season approaches, with several key players either injured or returning from long layoffs. Manager Andoni Iraola has not yet had his preferred backline available during pre-season, and the team’s defensive depth appears limited.
Injuries have significantly impacted the squad. Conor Bradley is a long-term absentee due to a serious knee injury, while Giovanni Leoni is still recovering from an ACL injury sustained last September. Jeremy Jacquet, a new signing, has not yet featured for the club as he manages a dislocated shoulder from February. Additionally, Joe Gomez will miss the start of the season after suffering a muscle injury during a pre-season friendly against Sunderland.
The situation is further complicated by the recent return of Virgil van Dijk to team training, having only joined his teammates this week. Jeremie Frimpong also requested to be substituted in a friendly against Leeds United, raising concerns about his fitness and form after a challenging first season in England.
Defensive Reinforcement Stance
Despite these issues, Liverpool‘s primary focus in the transfer window remains strengthening their attack. While they have held talks for Bradley Barcola and are considering other options like Ibrahim Mbaye, the club is open to defensive reinforcements if the right opportunity arises.
However, reports suggest that Liverpool are not pursuing a move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence. Links to the full-back are believed to have originated from the player’s camp. Instead, the club might look for a right-sided defender capable of playing both centre-back and right-back.
Hypothetically, players like Fikayo Tomori, Ezri Konsa, and former Reds defender Jarell Quansah could fit this profile, having been linked with a move to Anfield this summer. Konsa, for instance, showcased his versatility for England at the World Cup, playing both centre-back and right-back. Quansah, who was sold to Bayer Leverkusen last summer with a buyback option, also demonstrated his capabilities in Germany.
Other potential targets mentioned include Jules Kounde from Barcelona, known for his versatility despite a less impactful La Liga campaign, and James Hill from Bournemouth, a player familiar to Iraola. Josh Acheampong from Chelsea is also noted as a cost-effective option, though Chelsea are reportedly keen to retain his services.
Current Squad Depth and Alternatives
With Ibrahima Konate having departed, Iraola‘s current natural centre-back options are limited to Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet. The absence of Gomez and Leoni leaves the squad particularly thin, especially when compared to other top Premier League clubs.
Arsenal, for example, are described as having a strong defensive lineup, with players like William Saliba, Gabriel, Ben White, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori capable of playing at centre-back. Manchester City also possess versatile defenders such as Josko Gvardiol, Marc Guehi, Ruben Dias, and Abdukodir Khusanov.
In terms of makeshift options, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo could potentially fill in at centre-back, but their deployment in defence would likely increase calls for more dedicated defensive signings. Endo has also recently returned to training after an ankle injury in February.
At right-back, Calvin Ramsay is an option for cover, but he has not yet played in the Premier League since joining in 2022. Dominik Szoboszlai has also indicated a willingness to play at right-back if needed, having done so last season.
Young players like Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Luke Chambers impressed during the United States tour, but Ndukwe is set for a loan move due to work permit issues, and Chambers is primarily a left-back. Mor Talla Ndiaye is another academy option, but did not train with the first team recently.
With matches against Monaco and Como scheduled before the start of the new season, all available defensive players are expected to receive game time.
Source: uk.sports.yahoo.com
Freya Donnelly is the Sports Reporter at News-UK, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB through an Olympic cycle. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Brighton and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Brighton, she plays club cricket in the summer. “Listening is the most underrated skill in sports reporting.”
