Liverpool’s centre back options have been limited this season, causing issues defensively. They have lacked depth and the option of being able to swap their centre-backs when performances and fixture congestion have been an issue.
Next season, Liverpool will have at least four centre back options, all capable of challenging each other for a starting role in the team.
Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet will be Liverpool’s centre back options for next season, and this quality in depth will surely enhance their chances of challenging for the Premier League title next season.
Premier League Title Winning Partnership
Van Dijk and Konate are the current partnership at the heart of Liverpool’s defence, and they were a vital part of Liverpool’s Premier League title success in the 2024/25 season.
This season, however, has been far from their best, and both have come under major criticism for their performances throughout the campaign.
This has highlighted the need for Liverpool’s centre back options to be strengthened going into the 2026/27 season.
Van Dijk has been one of the best centre-backs in the world, but he will be 35 by the start of the next campaign, and the need to rotate him will be even more important.
Konate is close to signing a new deal, and when in form, he is one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League; however, this season has been a poor one for him.
His performances all season have been below par, and he looks like making mistakes in most games. Rotation will be key if this form continues into next season.
The Big Money Signing To Bolster Liverpool’s Centre Back Options
Liverpool’s centre back options are limited, and the need to add quality to their defensive depth is clear to see. That is why Liverpool has spent £60 million on Jacquet from Rennes to address that problem.
Jacquet is just 20 years old, but is a player Liverpool had to race top European clubs to secure his signature. He is a player who could be a major part of Liverpool’s squad for many years to come.
The question will be asked, why has Liverpool paid such a big fee for a 20-year-old who hasn’t played at the top level yet, hasn’t been capped for the France senior team or played Champions League football?
Despite this, Liverpool’s hierarchy believe they have a player capable of replacing Van Dijk in the future.
With Jacquet coming in, he will be one of at least four centre back options for Liverpool, and this will give him time to settle and, more importantly, learn alongside one of the best in Van Dijk.
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Giovanni Leoni: The Exciting Prospect Returning From Injury
In the summer of 2025, Liverpool added Leoni to their squad. £26 million plus add-ons was the deal to bring the 19-year-old Italian to Anfield, and it looked like a great piece of business for Liverpool.
The youngster made just one appearance before suffering an ACL tear in the Carabao Cup against Southampton back in September. Despite only playing in that one game, he showed Liverpool’s fans what they can expect when he returns, as he looked comfortable defensively and on the ball.
During his time on the sidelines, Arne Slot has said Leoni has “become a beast”. He has been training hard in the gym and has increased his physical stature to add to his qualities on the pitch.
Leoni is expected to be back for pre-season, giving him the chance to hit the ground running ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. Just like Jacquet, he has time to ease himself back into the squad and also learn from Van Dijk in the process.
A New Era For Liverpool’s Defence
With Liverpool conceding 44 goals in 34 Premier League games this season, the defensive issues at the club have been clear for all to see, but they have only had two centre-backs available for most of the season.
Joe Gomez has filled in that position when called upon during the campaign, but the options have been limited in the centre of defence.
With Liverpool’s centre back options available at the club next season, the present and future of the centre back position looks to be in a promising position.
Rotation next season in this position will help Liverpool fight on all fronts, and the poor performances and fatigue that we have seen this season can be rectified with a change in personnel.
Jacquet is a great addition, and Leoni will feel like a new signing again. These two options, on top of Konate and Van Dijk, show real quality for Liverpool and depth in this position is crucial for winning a Premier League title.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / APL
Recording Date: 22.02.2026
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