Liverpool’s Summer Centre‑Back Pursuit

Limited Defensive Depth Remains a Concern

Liverpool have only completed a single move so far this summer, leaving them with a thin spine at the back. Four options exist—Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez—yet two of those have never featured in the Premier League. Van Dijk enters his 35th year and has just one season left on his contract, while Gomez’s injury record casts doubt on his reliability. The lack of depth already cost the club last term, meaning more additions are vital if they hope to challenge for silverware.

Emerging Prospects on the Radar

Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni are viewed as two of the biggest centre‑back prospects in world football, each capable of reaching Van Dijk’s standard if they develop fully. Their signings are already on the books, but both have never stepped onto a Premier League pitch, leaving doubts about their immediate impact. At under 21 years old, the uncertainty around their readiness adds a layer of risk to Liverpool’s defensive plans. As a result, fans remain sceptical about how quickly they can become reliable first‑team options.

Zabarnyi Linked as Iraola’s Preferred Target

A fresh update from Fichajes reveals Liverpool have added Ilia Zabarnyi to their shortlist for central defence, sparked by his work with Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth. Richard Hughes and Iraola already know his performances and how he adapted to the Premier League, giving the club confidence in his immediate impact. The Ukrainian is currently at Paris Saint‑Germain, but his name is gaining traction as a potential recruit. Negotiations are still in early stages, and any move would hinge on PSG agreeing to consider his departure.

What It Means for the Title Race

If Liverpool aim to improve on last season’s finish, they must reinforce at least four or five positions, and the centre‑back spot is high on that list. Adding a proven Premier League centre‑back like Zabarnyi would provide the experience needed to complement the inexperienced Jacquet and Leoni. Iraola’s appointment signals a push for defensive solidity, yet the club’s backline could still be vulnerable without extra depth. Failure to secure quality options may see the team again plagued by injuries and underperform in the 2026‑27 campaign.