27th September 2025 Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford, London, England Premier League Football, Brentford versus Manchester United, ManU Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim applauds the fans PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK IanxStephen
Liverpool’s centre-back situation isn’t something Arne Slot would be proud of. The Dutchman has only three centre-backs left to choose from following Giovanni Leoni’s injury.
The 18-year-old Italian defender, bought from Parma, started in the match against Southampton. It was the centre-back’s debut for the Reds, but it didn’t end as he would have expected.
In the 81st minute, Leoni went down following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Later, it was confirmed that he would be out for a year.
This was a big blow to Slot as the gaffer was already walking a thin line with only four centre-backs to deploy. Having missed out on Marc Guehi in the summer, the Dutchman will have to change his strategy for the upcoming transfer market.
Slot previously claimed that he prefers a smaller squad compared to his counterparts. However, a centre-back seems logical in 2026 following the situation at Anfield.
Liverpool Jarrad Branthwaite arises amid defensive crisis
According to the Sunday Mirror, the Reds have now decided to compete with Manchester United for the services of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Toffees’ centre-back is one of the brightest talents in English football. Branthwaite has already won a cap for the England national football team, and there are expectations of more in the upcoming international breaks.
However, Manchester United have been the long-term admirers of the defender. With centre-back Lisandro Martinez facing injury issues, Ruben Amorim is also in the market for a new defender.
A £65m offer from United is expected in the January transfer window. However, Slot won’t be sitting with his hands folded, considering the champions’ allure to attract the best talent.
Quiz: Name the team Liverpool signed these players from in the 2010s
Arne Slot’s strategy for 2026
Despite the injuries, Slot seems to be pretty confident in his ability to manage without. The Dutchman says he prefers a smaller squad to provide justifiable gametime for all the players.
“I would not prefer to go to 24 or 25 players… I believe that every player needs to have a perspective on development or playing time. If I have to disappoint four or five players, I believe that is not the right energy that you want to have in the building.”
“That is the way we do it, and it is also why we can maybe spend a bit more on one player instead of bringing three in, and that is maybe the difference between the clubs.”
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