Liverpool eyeing move to sign 20-year-old defender – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool considering move to sign another young defender

Liverpool’s ongoing defensive reshuffle looks set to continue into 2025, with club officials intensifying their search for long-term reinforcements. The injury to Giovanni Leoni has left Arne Slot’s squad short of central defensive depth, and with the recent departure of Jarell Quansah, the situation has grown more pressing.

Virgil van Dijk remains the only senior defender with a consistent fitness record. Both Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez, though dependable when available, have been troubled by injuries over multiple campaigns. Konate’s contract situation—set to expire within the next year—only complicates matters further, with no fresh terms yet agreed.

It is therefore little surprise that Liverpool’s recruitment department, led by Richard Hughes, continue to explore options across Europe and beyond. Among the most notable names under consideration are Marc Guehi and Japan’s emerging star, Rion Ichihara, according to Anfield Watch.

Guehi remains priority target for Liverpool rebuild

Marc Guehi, long admired by Liverpool scouts, is expected to be one of the key defensive additions in the coming transfer windows. His technical proficiency, ability to play out from the back and familiarity with Premier League intensity make him a near-ideal fit for Slot’s system.

Guehi’s contract situation only strengthens Liverpool’s position. With his deal due to expire next summer, the England international could be available on a free transfer — an opportunity that aligns neatly with the club’s focus on sustainable recruitment.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s football demands composure, anticipation and distribution from his defenders. Guehi, with his experience and leadership qualities, represents both short-term reliability and long-term planning. But he may not be the only new arrival at Anfield’s backline.

impresses Liverpool’s scouting network

While Guehi provides a proven domestic option, Rion Ichihara offers an entirely different prospect: raw, developing talent from one of Asia’s most promising football nations. The 20-year-old centre-back has caught Liverpool’s attention following a series of commanding displays at the U20 World Cup, where he scored twice and helped Japan progress to the knockout stages.

Ichihara’s style mirrors much of what Slot seeks in his defenders — calm under pressure, intelligent on the ball and brave in possession. During Japan’s opening group game, he completed 28 passes into the opposition’s final third, underlining his forward-thinking instincts. His aerial dominance has also drawn notice; he won all ten of his aerial duels during the group stages and continues to post impressive numbers in the J2 League with Red Bull Omiya, where he wins 74% of his headers.

Crucially, Ichihara’s development is taking place in an environment influenced by Jürgen Klopp’s Red Bull network, which ensures his tactical understanding and physical preparation are closely aligned with Liverpool’s footballing principles.

Future partnership potential with Leoni

Liverpool’s long-term plan appears to focus on creating a balanced defensive unit capable of evolving with Slot’s style. Should Guehi and Ichihara both arrive, they could form part of a dynamic backline alongside Giovanni Leoni once he returns to fitness.

Ichihara would not be expected to walk straight into the starting XI, but his presence would allow Liverpool to manage minutes more effectively while shaping him under the guidance of Van Dijk and other senior figures. It’s a structure that could blend experience and youth, much like the club’s successful rebuilds in previous eras.

Liverpool’s interest in Ichihara reflects a modern scouting vision—one that identifies emerging talent before it reaches the mainstream. With Guehi offering Premier League assurance and Ichihara representing a future investment, the defensive overhaul at Anfield could soon take its most exciting form yet.