Liverpool faces significant challenges in their centre-back lineup.
Currently, the Premier League champions are just months away from potentially losing Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer.
The French defender’s contract expires in the summer of 2026, and if a new agreement isn’t reached soon, he could depart without any compensation.
Since January 1, the 26-year-old has been able to negotiate with interested foreign clubs, but his future remains uncertain.
Liverpool Targeting January Centre-Back Acquisition
Additionally, Joe Gomez, who is 28 years old and has a contract with Liverpool until 2027, may also leave the club amid interest from AC Milan.
Liverpool brought in Giovanni Leoni from Parma last summer for £26 million, but the promising teenager is now sidelined for the season due to an ACL injury sustained on his debut.
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Sporting director Richard Hughes also missed out on securing Marc Guehi on transfer deadline day, leaving Arne Slot with limited options in the centre-back department as they defend their Premier League title.
As a result, Liverpool has been linked with signing a new defender during the upcoming January transfer window, with Guehi still a possible target, along with Joel Ordonez from Club Brugge.
Liverpool Competing with European Elite for Jacquet
Now, Liverpool is poised to compete with several top European clubs for the signing of Jeremy Jacquet—a highly talented 20-year-old defender from Rennes.
Jacquet is contracted to Rennes until 2029, and attracting him will require a substantial bid to draw him away from his boyhood club. According to Football Insider, Liverpool, along with Arsenal and Chelsea, is ready to test Rennes’ determination this window.
The report notes, “All three clubs are looking to bolster their defensive rosters in January, with Jacquet being a known target for each, alongside interest from Man City and Real Madrid.”
“With clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City, and Real Madrid tracking Jacquet, securing him won’t be a straightforward task for Liverpool.”
The French under-21 international has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising centre-backs in recent years, making him an attractive option for Liverpool and other clubs considering a potential acquisition.