Arne Slot decides on overhauling the defence at Anfield, as a failure in the summer meant delaying the plans for a few months. The sale of Jarell Quansah was followed by the signing of just one centre-back, leaving Slot with just four in total.
Giovanni Leoni came in from Parma as the 18-year-old Italian sits as an understudy for Virgil van Dijk. He is expected to replace the Dutchman in the long term, but was recently injured against Southampton.
Now, Slot is only left with three centre-backs to play with as Leoni will be out for almost a year. He has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his left knee, for which he recently underwent surgery.
Slot previously mentioned he’ll be waiting for further updates before deciding for January. However, it looks like it’s already time to bring in more centre-backs.
Premier League transfer news: Liverpool and Manchester United target Dayot Upamecano
Dayot Upamecano might make a move to Anfield in 2026 (Credits: Imago Images)
Liverpool’s interest in Dayot Upamecano is an open secret. However, Manchester United is a big contender in the race as Ruben Amorim is looking at Upamecano as a replacement for Harry Maguire.
CF Bayern Insider reports that Slot keeps a keen interest in the Bayern Munich centre-back. The Reds are looking for a free signing in the summer.
Upamecano’s contract expires at the end of this season. There are ongoing talks of an extension, but as time passes, the interest is just piling up on the Frenchman.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also in the race as Los Blancos are hunting for multiple defenders in 2026. The Spanish giants also have their eyes on Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, but renewal talks have restarted between the Frenchman and the Reds.
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How Joe Gomez’s transfer might affect the Upamecano deal?
Liverpool are now willing to sell Joe Gomez if they find a replacement in time for the Englishman. The Reds will only sanction a move if there is enough money involved, which might help them go shopping in January.
AC Milan had shown interest in the summer, but the Merseysiders didn’t proceed with talks as they were short on defenders. However, now Slot probably wants to sell Gomez for a good price and get a defender he’ll use more often.
Gomez might also be keen on a move, as his game time under Slot hasn’t been enough. Dayot Upamecano’s talks with Bayern Munich continue, but salary remains a big determinant for an extension.
Liverpool might jump in with money in January if they manage to sell Gomez, and Munich might be willing to offload Upamecano then if they aren’t able to reach an agreement with the player.
