Slot faces key decision as Liverpool lack centre-backs for title defence | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Centre-Back Crisis: Why Defensive Reinforcements Must Take Priority Over Isak

Centre-Back Numbers in Crisis

Liverpool’s interest in Alexander Isak may stir excitement on the Kop, but it is in defence, not attack, where the club’s greatest need lies heading into the 2025-26 season. As reported by the Express, Arne Slot has only three senior centre-backs at his disposal following the departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. With just Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez remaining, the balance of the squad feels worryingly off-kilter.

Konate’s contract situation is far from ideal. With just a year remaining and persistent links with a departure, Liverpool are staring at the prospect of losing the Frenchman either this window or next. Joe Gomez, for all his technical ability, cannot escape his injury record. And then there’s Van Dijk, a colossus of the modern Liverpool era, now aged 34 and tasked with playing across four competitions. It is a demanding burden for any player, let alone one in the latter stages of his career.

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Stalled Guehi Move Puts Pressure on Slot

The Express confirms that Liverpool’s interest in Marc Guehi has stalled, despite the clear and growing need for defensive reinforcements. Crystal Palace’s £40 million valuation has prompted hesitation, with some questioning whether the England international represents value for money. Yet Guehi, 24, brings Premier League experience and positional intelligence, both crucial traits in a backline in transition.

“There will be scepticism over whether meeting Palace’s asking price represents value for money, but it may be a deal that needs to happen for the sake of Liverpool’s aspirations next term,” the article rightly states. If Guehi can provide the reliability and availability that Gomez and Konate have lacked, £40 million would be a small price for stability.

Trust in Ekitike or Risk It All for Isak?

Liverpool’s attacking options are strong, particularly with the £79 million signing of Hugo Ekitike. The Express makes the stark suggestion that the club should “halt a pursuit of Alexander Isak and instead trust £79m signing Hugo Ekitike as their main striker.” It is a bold call, but one that speaks to the wider imbalance in squad construction.

Isak would not come cheap, with figures in the region of £150 million being mentioned. He is undoubtedly a talent, but Liverpool’s trophy hopes could collapse if the defence suffers a major injury. “A major injury to Van Dijk – like the ACL damage the Dutchman suffered in 2020 – could completely derail Liverpool’s defence of their Premier League title,” the report warns.

Long-Term Planning and Short-Term Fixes

Arne Slot may view Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo as emergency centre-back options, but this should alarm supporters rather than reassure them. “Slot reportedly believes that Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo can act as back-up defenders if they are required. But surely the Liverpool boss only sees that as a short-term fix,” reads the article. Gravenberch has shone in midfield under Slot, and removing him from that role would weaken another key area.

Looking forward, Liverpool must think beyond Van Dijk and Konate. Targeting Ajax’s teenage defender Jorrel Hato would be a step in the right direction. Not only can Hato operate centrally, but he offers cover at left-back, another area of concern following injuries to Andy Robertson last season.

Ultimately, squad balance remains the overriding issue. “Isak’s arrival for £150m may indeed propel Liverpool to another Premier League title, and may even make them the strongest contenders for the Champions League. But better balance in the squad must be prioritised.”

The Express are absolutely right in their analysis. This is not just about marquee signings or eye-catching fees. It is about having the steel and depth to grind through a season on four fronts. Liverpool cannot gamble all their chips on attacking flair and leave themselves exposed at the back.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Concerned Liverpool Supporter Opinion

This is worrying. Honestly, the Isak links are exciting, but we’ve seen what happens when we go into a season light at centre-back. Remember 2020-21? The collapse wasn’t about poor goalscoring, it was because we ran out of defenders. That season we ended up playing midfielders like Fabinho and Henderson at the back. We can’t afford to repeat that just to chase a big-money forward.

Quansah’s move to Germany leaves us short. Van Dijk’s been great but he’s 34. We’re talking about Champions League, Premier League, domestic cups — he can’t do it all. Konate might leave and Gomez has fitness issues. If Marc Guehi is available, even at £40m, we should pay it. We spent more on Ekitike and haven’t even seen him in a red shirt yet.

Slot’s done well so far, but the idea of playing Endo or Gravenberch in defence is a red flag. Gravenberch has finally found form in midfield. Taking him out of there would be robbing Peter to pay Paul.

We don’t need fireworks in attack. We need solid ground beneath us. That starts with centre-backs.