Liverpool’s centre-back situation is dicey, to say the least. With only three senior centre-backs in the squad, the Reds are walking a fine line of squad management before problems start arising.
Virgil van Dijk is here to stay as the Dutchman signed a two-year extension last season, keeping him at the club till the summer of 2027.
The Dutchman has reached legend status at Anfield, with the defender winning everything there is to win playing for an English outfit.
Despite still displaying peak form at the age of 34, Van Dijk might make a move after his contract expires. Still the leader at Anfield, it will be interesting to see who Slot will hand over the captain’s armband to in the future.
With the Dutchman’s age in mind, the Merseysiders signed Giovanni Leoni from Parma this summer. The 18-year-old Italian will be replacing Van Dijk in the future.
The centre-back might also get his debut against Southampton tomorrow as Slot announced a rest day for their skipper and Ibrahima Konaté.
Konaté’s contract expires at the end of the season and a move to Real Madrid seems imminent for the Frenchman. There is also Joe Gomez, but interests from Italy might see the Englishman move to Milan in January.
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool sold these players to?
Liverpool join the race for Dayot Upamecano
Dayot Upamecano is one of the most wanted defenders of 2026 (Credits: Imago Images)
Real Madrid were also eyeing Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano in search of defensive reinforcements. Unfortunately for Los Blancos, according to an experienced football journalist, Liverpool have also joined the race for the soon-to-be-free defender.
Liverpool are keeping an eye on Dayot Upamecano’s situation at Bayern Munich.
They could consider making a move for the defender on a free transfer when his contract runs out this summer.
(Source: @GraemeBailey)
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Upamecano’s contract expires at the end of this season, just like Konaté and Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guéhi. There are no renewals in sight, but the Bavarians’ strategy remains a secret.
The German giants might want to sell the Frenchman in January if they are after financial gains, but the intricacies aren’t known.
It should be sensible to conclude that Xabi Alonso won’t be signing three defenders next year unless the Spaniard is looking at a total rebuild.
Guéhi is also on the former Reds’ radar, and the Englishman has revealed that he prefers a move to the Santiago Bernabéu instead of Anfield.
Assuming a two-defender 2026 for Real Madrid, Liverpool should be left with at least two defenders to sign in Ronald Araújo and one among Upamecano and Guéhi.
