Liverpool's Hunt for Defensive Reinforcement: Seven Elite Centre-Backs on Klopp's Radar After Missing Out on Guehi
Marc Guéhi's move to Manchester City proves painful for Liverpool supporters to witness.
The 25-year-old defender came incredibly close to signing with Liverpool last summer, even undergoing medical examinations with the current Premier League titleholders, but Crystal Palace's last-minute withdrawal from the deal not only left the Reds defensively weakened, but created opportunities for rivals.
City pounced while Liverpool chose not to match their £20 million offer for the England defender—who would have become a free agent this summer—leading to predictable disappointment among the club's fanbase.
With Giovanni Leoni sidelined for the entire campaign, the Reds possess only three central defensive choices: 34-year-old Virgil van Dijk, the frequently injured Joe Gomez and the inconsistent Ibrahima Konaté, whose deal runs out this summer. Liverpool sit just one or two injuries away from catastrophe.
Focus will now shift to alternative targets Liverpool can pursue instead of Guéhi, whether during the January window or at season's end. Fortunately, numerous talented defenders remain available.
Nico Schlotterbeck
Nico Schlotterbeck
Nico Schlotterbeck has developed into one of the Bundesliga's most promising talents in recent seasons. Crucial to Borussia Dortmund's path to the 2023–24 Champions League final, the commanding yet skillful German has impressed with his defensive instincts, heading ability and precise ball distribution.
A combative left-footed centre-back entering his peak at 26, Schlotterbeck should become a Liverpool target this summer. With his deal running until 2027, the defender is anticipated to leave at the current season's conclusion with the Premier League seeming a probable destination. The Reds frequently shop in the Bundesliga market and could make another move.
Castello Lukeba
Castello Lukeba
Schlotterbeck isn't the sole Bundesliga defender likely to attract Liverpool this summer. Castello Lukeba has developed into one of the league's top prospects with his combination of speed and defensive awareness, excelling for RB Leipzig across the last two-and-a-half campaigns. The 23-year-old is also left-footed and earned his first France cap in 2023.
The Reds maintain excellent relations with Leipzig following transfers for Ibrahima Konaté and Dominik Szoboszlai and could utilize that bond in pursuing Lukeba. The Frenchman's £70 million ($94 million) buyout clause might present obstacles for Liverpool, who will be reluctant to spend such significant sums after last summer's expenditure, but they would be purchasing potential alongside proven ability.
Marcos Senesi
Marcos Senesi
Marcos Senesi would represent a shrewd acquisition designed to add squad depth rather than headline quality. The defender has performed well in a Bournemouth backline that was dismantled last summer and despite lacking imposing physical presence, the Argentine's tenacity and passing ability have drawn interest.
Most crucially, however, is the 28-year-old's contractual status. Senesi will become available without a transfer fee at season's end, assuming he doesn't agree fresh terms with the Cherries. This would give Liverpool an economical path to strengthening their defense—with squad depth concerns only intensified should Konaté depart as a free agent this summer.
Joel Ordóñez
Joel Ordóñez
Joel Ordóñez emerged from the renowned Independiente del Valle academy in his homeland Ecuador. The institution that has developed Moisés Caicedo, Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapié in recent times also nurtured the 21-year-old defender, who has excelled since moving to Europe and joining Club Brugge.
Ordóñez has become a vital component for the Belgian club and has been a rumored Liverpool target throughout the past year. Their alleged interest in the 14-cap Ecuador international, who is guaranteed to participate in this summer's 2026 World Cup, could resurface this summer as he would provide a more affordable option compared to players like Schlotterbeck and Lukeba.
Ronald Araújo
Ronald Araújo
Ronald Araújo's future remains clouded in uncertainty. The Barcelona defender signed a contract extension just last January but still faced scrutiny during the summer, with the Uruguayan receiving criticism this season. He even took time away for mental health reasons following his dismissal against Chelsea in the Champions League amid intense fan criticism.
Araújo has since returned to Barça but his long-term prospects remain unclear. The Catalan club might consider offers for the 26-year-old during the summer and Liverpool would be foolish not to at least evaluate the gifted defender, even if he's unlikely to head their priority list.
Jan Paul van Hecke
Jan Paul van Hecke
Liverpool's Dutch group could welcome a new addition this summer should the Reds focus on talented Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke. The 25-year-old has been consistently excellent in the Premier League each week, displaying various defensive qualities. He's physically strong, exceptional with the ball and poses a scoring threat, though he may lack the pace of many contemporary defenders.
The Dutchman possesses extensive Premier League knowledge, making him an attractive prospect, while he's already partnered Van Dijk for the Netherlands. Brighton traditionally operate as a selling club and seem unlikely to block his departure should Europe's top teams express interest. Liverpool are among the clubs expected to be evaluating Van Hecke at minimum.
Micky van de Ven
Micky van de Ven
Securing Micky van de Ven from Tottenham Hotspur seems more achievable than previously. Spurs' ongoing struggles are concerning and despite their participation in this season's Champions League, they look unlikely to secure qualification for next term's tournament. At that juncture, the 24-year-old will need to consider his north London future.
Another possible Dutchman on Liverpool's shortlist, Van de Ven would prove an outstanding acquisition. Previously linked with Liverpool before his Tottenham transfer, he's thrived in the Premier League with his blend of pace, strength and attacking threat and ranks among the world's elite centre-backs. A substantial fee would be necessary and a deal appears unlikely currently, but he could represent the ideal signing for the Reds.