Advertisement
Liverpool’s defence is about to look very different when the 2025/26 season begins. After winning the Premier League in his first season in charge, manager Arne Slot is now working on reshaping the team’s backline.
Trent Alexander-Arnold leaves, new right-back already signed
The biggest change is at right-back. Trent Alexander-Arnold has joined Real Madrid, which means Liverpool had to find a new player for that position. They’ve already brought in Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. Frimpong is a fast and attacking right-back who should fit into Slot’s system well.
On the left side, Liverpool are close to signing Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth. The 21-year-old would be a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson, who is getting older. Meanwhile, Kostas Tsimikas is expected to leave the club.
Van Dijk stays, but who will play next to him?
One piece of good news for Liverpool is that Virgil van Dijk has signed a new contract, keeping him at the club until 2027. But there’s uncertainty about his centre-back partner.
Ibrahima Konaté, who has played alongside Van Dijk most often, has a contract that ends in 2026. There’s no news yet about an extension, and Liverpool may sell him this summer rather than risk losing him for free next year.
Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez are expected to stay in backup roles. So if Konaté leaves or doesn’t renew, Liverpool may sign a brand-new starting centre-back.
Who could be the new centre-back?
Two names are being linked with Liverpool:
-
Ousmane Diomande – A 21-year-old from Sporting CP who helped them win two trophies last season. He played 29 of 34 league matches. Reports say Liverpool are preparing a €45 million ($52 million) offer for him. He would be the expensive option but comes with strong experience.
-
Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal – A 20-year-old Moroccan defender who played well during a loan at Amiens in France. He’s cheaper than Diomande but not as experienced. Other European clubs are also interested in him.
Slot has already signed Frimpong and is close to getting Kerkez. But the next big move depends on Konaté’s decision. If Konaté signs a new contract, Liverpool probably won’t buy another centre-back right now. But if he doesn’t, expect a big signing in central defence.
Slot wants a backline built for the future, fast, young, and strong. This summer could be one of the most important in shaping Liverpool’s defence for years to come.