The current season has been a true disaster for Liverpool, which hoped to solidify its position after winning the 20th title of the Premier League and investing over £400 million in signings last summer. However, the club’s defense has been one of its weakest points, leaving many fans questioning the direction of the team under the leadership of coach Arne Slot. Criticism of Slot is growing as supporters express discontent with his approach, and rumors about his possible replacement by Xabi Alonso are gaining traction.
“Slot wouldn’t be safe even if Liverpool secured a spot in the Champions League,” the rumors state, especially with Alonso’s availability, who recently left Real Madrid. The pressure for Alonso to return to Anfield is mounting, and many believe his appointment is just a matter of time. However, regardless of who is in charge, the new coach will face a monumental challenge: rebuilding a defense that has been a true disaster this season.
The defensive problems have been exacerbated by the serious injury to Giovanni Leoni, the poor form of Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, as well as the failure to sign Marc Guehi. However, Liverpool is already moving to reform its defense with the signing of Jeremy Jacquet, a promising defender arriving from Rennes for £60 million, marking a first step in the right direction. But the club’s ambition does not stop there; rumors indicate that a second signing for the defensive sector is the next priority.
Alonso, who excelled at Bayer Leverkusen, could implement a 3-4-3 formation, better utilizing the qualities of Liverpool’s current defenders, who appear more suited to a system with wingers. The arrival of Jacquet should not only provide competition for Konate, but may also signify his replacement, as the Frenchman has been unable to renew his contract due to his poor form.
Despite the challenges, Van Dijk is expected to remain a key figure in Liverpool’s defense. Ideally, Micky van de Ven from Tottenham would join him as a third center-back. The club previously failed in their attempt to sign him, but it now seems that Van de Ven is ready to make the leap. According to reports, the player has already given his “approval” for a £100 million move from Tottenham, and both Liverpool and Manchester United are ready to compete for his signature.
Liverpool sees Van de Ven as a valuable addition, given his speed and ball skills, which perfectly align with the club’s defensive needs. Alongside Jacquet, the addition of Van de Ven could create a much more solid defense. Furthermore, the signings of Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong in 2025 as wing-backs offer a new dynamic, although Kerkez has shown potential in the Premier League while Frimpong is still struggling to adapt.
Finally, a potential upgrade for Frimpong could come in the form of Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan, who has a release clause of €25 million (£22 million) and is on FSG’s priority list. Dumfries, with his strength and dynamism, seems ready for the Premier League and, along with Jacquet, Van Dijk, Van de Ven, and Kerkez, could provide a much more solid foundation for Liverpool’s attackers, something the team desperately needs.
The future of Liverpool’s defense could be on the brink of a significant transformation, and the arrival of new talents may be the decisive factor in reclaiming lost glory. Fans are eagerly anticipating these changes, hoping that the next season brings a new lease of life and, perhaps, a return to the days of glory.
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