Liverpool journalist reveals which international defender as ‘one to keep an eye on’ after Jacquet signing | OneFootball

Liverpool Defensive Planning Signals Long Term Shift

The January window may have closed, but the conversation around Liverpool’s defensive succession planning has only intensified. Speaking on Media Matters for Anfield Index, David Lynch joined Dave Davis to unpack the club’s strategy, with particular focus on emerging links to Nico Schlotterbeck and confirmed movement for Jérémy Jacquet.

Lynch’s insight offered a revealing look at how Liverpool are approaching centre back recruitment in a rapidly evolving market.

Jacquet Deal Reflects Market Reality

Liverpool’s agreement to sign Jacquet next summer has been framed internally as a decisive move. Lynch explained the context behind the £60 million deal and why the club felt compelled to act early.

“They’ve been scouting in that market and we thought Giovanni Leoni is very much one of them, but obviously slightly less expensive. This is more the kind of the big ticket one.”

He stressed that the shift reflects wider transfer inflation and competition for elite youth defenders.

“They both think he’s special, but they also know that you have to act quicker now because so many clubs are aware of these young talents at such a young age that the competition is insane now.”

Liverpool’s willingness to invest heavily in a 20 year old signals a structural adjustment in recruitment strategy. As Lynch noted, players of Virgil van Dijk’s development curve may no longer be accessible at mid career value points.

“I’m not sure a player of that quality would end up at Southampton for very long at all before they would be moved on.”

Schlotterbeck Emerges On Shortlist

With uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konaté’s long term future, attention has turned to experienced reinforcements alongside Jacquet’s arrival. Lynch pointed to Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck as one profile under monitoring.

“I just keep an eye on the Schlotterbeck stuff, just his contract situation, the way he profiles, I know Liverpool have watched him.”

He stopped short of calling it advanced interest but confirmed the German international fits the recruitment model.

“I’m not saying it’s going to definitely be him, but he’ll be on the short list, I expect.”

This aligns with Liverpool’s need for balance, pairing youthful potential with established reliability.

Succession Planning Shapes Summer Window

Lynch was clear that Jacquet alone would not fill a potential Konaté void.

“My expectation would be that Liverpool would sign another centre half as well and someone more experienced that is still kind of in the plans.”

Jacquet, in this view, represents the future rather than the immediate solution.

“He is the kind of future Konaté replacement, but he needs someone who’s in the middle to kind of ease that and make it easier.”

Liverpool’s defensive rebuild therefore appears layered, strategic, and financially assertive.

As Lynch’s analysis on Media Matters made clear, the Jacquet signing is not an isolated move but part of a broader recalibration. Monitoring Schlotterbeck while investing in elite youth reflects a club adapting to modern transfer pressures while safeguarding long term stability.