Anfield Index
·20 February 2026
Report: Liverpool interested in move to sign Bundesliga defender

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·20 February 2026

Liverpool’s recruitment team appear to be preparing for an important reshuffle on the left side of defence, with a fresh report from German outlet Bild placing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown firmly in the frame. As Andy Robertson edges closer to the final year of his current deal and uncertainty surrounds the wider depth chart, the need for long term succession planning has become increasingly obvious.
Bild claim Brown has emerged as one of Europe’s most closely monitored young defenders, attracting attention from several elite sides. Barcelona and Manchester City scouts are reportedly regular visitors, drawn to a profile that combines attacking ambition with composure in possession. The same report adds that the 22-year-old is also “on the list” at Liverpool, alongside Arsenal and Real Madrid, suggesting the race remains wide open heading into the summer.
From a recruitment perspective, the link makes sense. Liverpool’s model under Arne Slot has leaned towards technically confident full backs capable of stepping into midfield areas, and Brown’s evolving role at Frankfurt aligns with that tactical shift.

Photo: IMAGO
Robertson’s contract situation inevitably colours the conversation. With no extension agreed and the 2025-26 expiry looming, Liverpool must decide whether to refresh the position or risk entering a transitional phase without a clear successor. Kostas Tsimikas returning from Roma will present another decision point, while academy option Owen Beck’s injury setbacks have limited internal solutions.
Brown’s development trajectory offers intrigue. Bild report that Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krösche views the defender as the club’s next major sale, continuing a model that has previously seen high value departures. A reported valuation of around 65 million euros reflects both the competition for his signature and the premium placed on modern full backs who can influence play in central areas.
Under new head coach Albert Riera, Brown has even been deployed as an inverted playmaker during build up phases. That tactical flexibility will not have gone unnoticed at Anfield, where positional fluidity has become a key requirement for defenders operating in advanced systems.
Liverpool’s interest, as outlined by Bild, arrives within a crowded field. Barcelona’s stylistic fit and Manchester City’s track record of developing technically gifted defenders represent significant competition. Arsenal and Real Madrid being mentioned reinforces the sense that Brown’s next move could shape a major European storyline.
Frankfurt appear resigned to a departure, mirroring last year’s Hugo Ekitike situation. Brown and Ekitike developed a strong understanding during the 2024-25 campaign, a detail that may further pique Liverpool’s interest given their familiarity with the forward’s trajectory. For Frankfurt, the expectation of a sizeable transfer fee aligns with a business model built on strategic player trading.
From Liverpool’s perspective, any move will hinge on broader squad priorities. A left back capable of inverting into midfield would suit the evolving tactical demands under Slot, yet the club’s recruitment team are known for patience rather than reactionary spending.
For Liverpool supporters, this report sparks immediate curiosity. Nathaniel Brown’s profile sounds tailor made for the tactical evolution many fans have noticed under Arne Slot. The idea of a left back who can drift centrally, dictate possession and still provide width feels aligned with how the current side has begun to reshape its attacking structure.
There is also an emotional element to any discussion around the left back position. Andy Robertson remains a hugely respected figure at Anfield, and supporters will naturally feel conflicted about planning beyond him. Yet football moves quickly, and proactive recruitment has often defined Liverpool’s strongest eras. If Brown truly sits “on the list”, it signals the club are thinking ahead rather than waiting for a decline before acting.
The reported valuation would raise eyebrows among fans who remember more measured spending in previous windows. Some may question whether that fee represents value, especially with other areas of the squad potentially needing reinforcement. However, the growing importance of multifunctional full backs in modern systems means elite options rarely come cheap.
Ultimately, supporters will watch this story closely. Competition from Barcelona, Manchester City and Real Madrid suggests Liverpool would need a compelling sporting project to win the race. For many fans, the prospect of a young, technically gifted defender learning within Slot’s system carries genuine excitement, even if the deal remains at an early stage for now.









































