The coming 2026 World Cup is dominating football headlines, and rightly so, but we are also coming quickly on another important time, the beginning of the summer transfer window.
With Liverpool now under new leadership in Andoni Iraola, it will be interesting to see where the Reds go in the window, and how aggressively they pursue their targets following last summer's large expenditure.
One of the big concerns during this difficult campaign was an apparent lack of depth in the heart of the defense behind captain Virgil van Dijk and the now departed Ibrahima Konate.
That was a large result of a season-ending injury, lack of top form and Arne Slot sticking with what he knew as long as he could. A January agreement for a summer arrival helps, but there is still work to be done.
With that in mind, let's assess the current centre-back depth at Liverpool heading into the summer window.
Virgil van Dijk
We of course start with the captain, who now at 34, probably is in the final stretch of his glittering Reds career.
While he, like many others, struggled to consistently find his best form this season, there is no denying the importance of our lead Dutchman going into yet another coaching change.
His vast experience at the highest levels of the game will always be a handy tool, and his ability to organize a backline will be more important than ever as we transition into a younger generation at the back for Liverpool.
He did score a career-high 8 goals this season, so he is still an elite threat in the air from set-pieces.
Under Andoni Iraola, who demands a lot physically from his teams, it will be interesting to see how VVD adapts and if his elite positional awareness will be enough to compensate for losing half a step of pace.
He's still going to be one of our most important players for the 2026/27 campaign.
Joe Gomez
The faithful servant. The grinder. Mr. Versatile. Every club should want to have a Joe Gomez in their squad. His versatility across the back makes him a useful asset in sticky situations.
He puts the club's interests ahead of his own, and has been more than willing to play the silent leader role when called upon. The problem comes, at this stage, I'm not sure how much improvement he has in the tank.
Gomez is a fine defender, but he does not do anything exceptionally well. On the other hand, he typically puts himself in the right spots to get the job done, albeit in not always the most flattering ways.
However, with the departure of Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer, as of right now, Gomez is as close to a consistent Starting XI spot as he has ever been at Liverpool.
At worst, he'll be a super sub option once again next season. His role could be determined by the fitness of the next two guys in this group.
Jeremy Jacquet
Liverpool agreed to pay £55 million upfront with a possible additional £5 million for add-ons to secure the services of the Stade Rennais defender.
The 20-year old Frenchman is still a relatively inexperienced player at the top levels, having only made 31 appearances for Rennes since arriving at their club in early 2024. This was the case before he lost more game time this season when he suffered a serious shoulder injury.
However, Jacquet is expected to be fully fit for the start of the new season, which is good news for Liverpool coaches and fans.
Jacquet has been a constant figure in the France youth teams, and is seen as a key piece of the future of France's defense. He still needs a lot more high-level match experience, which is why he might not start right away at Anfield.
Having said that, he is tall and moves well for his height, so he is a good option to have moving forward. His ability to intercept passes is underrated, and he is a more than capable passer.
That will be extra important in Iraola's fast-breaking system. He has the most upside of this group right now.
Giovanni Leoni
The Italian teenager made one appearance for Liverpool this season. He was playing quite well in a League Cup match, before he took a nasty spill along the sideline and destroyed his ACL, ending his debut campaign before it even began.
In that match, and previously at his old club Parma, Leoni has shown remarkable calm for a player of his young age. Being able to learn all he can from VVD will only amplify this part of his game.
He has strong physical gifts already, and will only get stronger and faster. As he learns the game, his anticipation and positioning will follow suit.
I don't think he's quite ready for a first team takeover right now, especially off such a serious injury.
However, if Liverpool can keep him fit, and get him experience in the domestic cups, and occasionally in the league and Champions League, 25-32 appearances for Leoni would do wonders for his development long-term.
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