Liverpool's Next Move in the Transfer Window: Five Names to Look Out For
Liverpool are set to continue their record-breaking summer window...
Liverpool Transfers: Centre-Back Planning Is Key After Quansah Exit
After clinching the Premier League title under Arne Slot in his debut season, Liverpool find themselves in a position of both strength and transition. While reinforcements have been secured early with the arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez, the heart of the back line needs urgent attention. The departure of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £35million leaves a glaring gap in the centre-back department, and if Liverpool are serious about maintaining their dominance, action in this area can’t wait.
Prioritising Konate's Contract, But Not At The Expense Of Depth
Ibrahima Konate comfortably remains Liverpool’s most talented centre-back behind Virgil van Dijk. Tying him down to a long-term contract is essential, due to his perfect blend of physicality, pace and technical ability for a high line. However, regardless of Konate’s contract desion, you can expect Liverpool to push for a central defender next. The uncertainty over his future, along with the departure of Jarell Quansah, means that Liverpool need another high-quality option to both compete and provide stability when he is absent.
Joe Gomez, though valuable for his versatility, is another whose availability can’t be relied upon. While his contributions have been important, the repeated interruptions to his rhythm leave Liverpool walking a defensive tightrope. Liverpool’s planning has always worked best when the club anticipates problems before they escalate. Quansah’s exit should be viewed in that light — not a setback, but a prompt for necessary investment.
Marc Guehi: Right Profile, Wrong Price?
Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi ticks many boxes for what Liverpool need: homegrown status, leadership qualities, Premier League experience and a skill set suited to modern defensive systems. He carries the calmness under pressure that made him a standout for England and Palace alike. However, Palace’s asking price of £45million is difficult to justify with just one year left on his deal. As much as Liverpool admire the player, the club will not be drawn into overpaying and unless Palace’s stance changes then the Reds will be patient.
There is a possibility that the Reds will wait until Guehi is available on a free next summer if Palace refuse to compromise. Whether it’s Guehi or not, you can expect a central defender to be next on Richard Hughes’ list of priorities.
Looking Abroad For Value And Versatility
Jorell Hato (Ajax)
If Palace hold firm, then the focus should and likely will shift overseas. Jorrel Hato of Ajax has long been on Liverpool’s radar. At just 19, he already boasts a maturity beyond his years and has featured regularly in a major European league. Hato’s ability to play at both centre-back and left-back offers extra value in a squad that could see movement on the flanks with Kostas Tsimikas and even Andy Robertson’s future uncertain.
The price tag, believed to be around £45million, is reasonable given his versatility and immense potential. Chelsea’s interest has been reported, but Liverpool’s pull, especially after a title-winning season and with fellow Dutch internationals in the squad, could prove decisive.
Castello Lukeba (RB Leipzig)
RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba is another name to watch. Still only 21, he plays with confidence well beyond his years and has already impressed in the Bundesliga. His four-year contract means he would come at a premium, likely in the £50–60million range, but he is a proven performer at a high level. No contact has been made, yet his profile fits the club’s transfer DNA: young, athletic and progressive on the ball. It could be a move to keep an eye on.
Ousmane Diomande (Sporting CP)
Elsewhere, Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP is catching attention across Europe and is believed to be Palace’s fallback if Guehi departs. Should that move collapse, Liverpool could jump in. Diomande’s ball-carrying ability and physical strength make him an ideal modern defender. At 21, he also aligns with Liverpool’s strategy of signing players who can contribute now and develop further.
Joel Ordonez (Club Brugge)
For an under-the-radar option, Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge might just be the most intriguing name. Liverpool’s scouts have followed him for some time. The Ecuadorian is still raw in areas but fits the mould of a defender with high upside. At around £25million, he could be a smart investment if Liverpool want to bulk up the squad without blowing their budget on a backup.
Kim Min-Jae (Bayern Munich)
Kim Min-Jae of Bayern Munich would be a wildcard. At 27, he’s older than the typical Liverpool target, but the Reds were heavily linked during his Napoli days. His £35million valuation reflects a drop in market price and makes him a realistic option, especially if someone like Gomez moves on. Still, this would represent a departure from the youth-centric profile Liverpool have focused on, and a move for Kim would likely only happen if other plans fall through or if depth becomes an emergency issue. I wouldn’t be hanging your hat on this one though.
Looking Ahead
Liverpool have shown that forward-thinking wins trophies. While the sale of Quansah for £35million is good business, that money must be reinvested wisely. Tying down Konate is a logical first step, but that cannot be where it ends. The data, scouting reports and injury trends all point in one direction — Liverpool must sign at least one centre-back this summer.
Marc Guehi remains the standout option, but alternatives like Hato and Lukeba are more than just contingency plans. They are serious talents who could help shape Liverpool’s defence for years to come.
The time for waiting is over. With Champions League football back, domestic rivals strengthening and the pressure of being defending champions, Liverpool need to act. This summer is not just about maintaining success, it’s about setting the stage for an era of dominance.