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Liverpool explore centre-back options amid release clauses, expiring contracts and PSR issues
Liverpool are determined to sign a new centre-back this summer following Joel Matip’s departure at the end of his contract.
The Reds were interested in signing such a player last year, but the emergence of Jarell Quansah in pre-season plus the need to focus further on the club’s midfield revamp after the unexpected departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia changed the landscape.
But 12 months on, it is very much something Liverpool are looking to address in Arne Slot’s first summer as head coach despite still boasting a number of senior options.
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With captain Virgil van Dijk out of contract next summer and set to celebrate his 33rd birthday next month, the need for a long-term successor to the Dutchman is obvious. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate remains injury prone and has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain regardless, while Joe Gomez, who has been troubled by injury too in the past, has emerged as more a versatile utility player with the majority of his game-time last season coming at full-back.
Consequently, four is no longer perceived to be the ‘magic number’ with regards to centre-backs in the elite football squad game, with further reinforcements required. As the Reds have found out to their cost on more than one occasion in the past, you’re always just one defensive absence away from crisis.
Liverpool, who have been linked with a plethora of centre-backs already in recent months, would like to sign Leny Yoro from Lille. The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought-after youngsters in Europe and, ahead of his contract expiring next summer, is available for transfer.
However, while not giving up the chase, there is an acceptance that Real Madrid are the favourites to sign the Frenchman. The Reds are poised to make their move if the La Liga giants’ own efforts falter, but will also continue to assess the market.
So if Yoro doesn’t end up being Anfield-bound, where could Liverpool turn to instead? We take a look at some of the other centre-backs the Reds have found themselves linked to…
Goncalo Inacio, Sporting Lisbon
Liverpool have repeatedly been linked with the Portugal international over the past year, with the pacey 22-year-old ticking the boxes when it comes to the younger, left-sided centre-back the Reds were looking to target last summer.
Currently competing at Euro 2024, Inacio is a two-time Primeira Liga and Taca da Liga winner with Sporting and boasts plenty of experience, having made 171 appearances for the club to date. However, Inacio is understood to not be high up the club’s shortlist.
Piero Hincapie, Bayer Leverkusen
Like Inacio, Hincapie has been linked with Liverpool last summer with the 22-year-old a left-sided centre-back. The Ecuadorian is currently away competing at the Copa America after an impressive season with Bayer Leverkusen.
The 22-year-old made 43 appearances for Xabi Alonso’s side as they won their first ever Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal, with only a Europa League final defeat to Atalanta denying them an historic invincible treble-winning season. He has made 144 club appearances to date, but Leverkusen aren’t expected to lose many of their squad this summer after their remarkable campaign.
Willian Pacho, Eintracht Frankfurt
A fellow Ecuador international competing at Copa America, like Hincapie, Pacho is also a 22-year-old left-sided centre-back. Joined Eintracht Frankfurt last summer and impressed in his first season in the Bundesliga, making 44 appearances in all competitions.
Having played in Ecuador and Belgium prior to his move to Germany, winning league titles in both, he boasts 137 career appearances to date. He is believed to be rated at more than £50m though.
The former Chelsea youngster is expected to be first-choice for England at Euro 2024 in the absence of the injured Harry Maguire. Still only 23, he is out of contract in 2026 and expected to leave Crystal Palace this summer, with the Eagles already bringing in Chadi Riad as a possible replacement.
A proven Premier League player, he has made 98 appearances in the English top-flight since moving to Selhurst Park in an £18m deal in 2021. Boasting 172 career appearances to date, Guehi has been linked with both Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United in recent months.
Waldemar Anton, VfB Stuttgart
Reports in Germany this week claimed that Liverpool had made contact with the Bundesliga outfit regarding the 27-year-old following an eye-catching season for Stuttgart where he captained them to a second-place finish in the league and was named in the team of the season.
Handed his Germany debut in March off the back of such form, he is currently part of their squad competing at Euro 2024. Boasting 266 career appearances, he reportedly has a £19m release clause in his contract and is also attracting interest from Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund.
Matthijs de Ligt, Bayern Munich
Virgil van Dijk’s centre-back partner for the Netherlands, De Ligt will reportedly be allowed to leave Bayern Munich this summer following Vincent Kompany’s appointment at the club. Under-contract until 2027 and on a high salary, the Bavarians see him as a sellable asset as a result.
The 24-year-old was repeatedly linked with Liverpool when with Ajax, before completing a €75m move to Juventus in 2019. He later joined Bayern in a deal worth up to €77m in 2022, and has won league titles in all three countries - making 307 career appearances to date.
While the Reds boast a good relationship with Bayern, courtesy of recent deals for Thiago Alcantara, Sadio Mane, and Ryan Gravenberch, there is currently no suggestion at this time they will move for De Ligt - who will not come cheap.
Ousmane Diomande, Sporting Lisbon
Liverpool are known to be monitoring Diomande, as reported by the ECHO back in January. However, like Yoro he is inexperienced. Still only 20 years old, he boasts 71 career appearances to date.
Backed to cost a hefty fee when he does eventually move on from Sporting, he enjoyed an impressive 2023/24 season for club country as he won both the Primeira Liga and Africa Cup of Nations.
Lutsharel Geertruida, Feyenoord
Slot’s vice-captain at Feyenoord, Geertruida is out of contract next year and expected to move on this summer as a result.The 23-year-old predominantly played as a right-back for the Dutch outfit this season, but is capable of playing at centre-back.
Currently with the Netherlands squad at Euro 2024, he has won the Eredivisie title and two KNVB Cups with Feyenoord and made 198 appearances to date.
Levi Colwill, Chelsea
Liverpool are known admirers of the England international, and had been interested in signing him last summer. Interest has not gone away, with his home-grown status adding to his attractiveness for potential Premier League suitors. Bayern Munich are also said to be keen on signing the defender.
The 21-year-old, who can play at centre-back or left-back, signed a new contract with Chelsea until 2029 last summer. While the Londoners would not want to lose him, they may be forced to sell to comply with PSR, with the Reds continuing to monitor his situation from afar as a result.
