Liverpool have strategically invested in their defense for the future, securing the signings of two highly-rated young defenders, Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Jérémy Jacquet. However, the club currently faces a significant defensive crisis due to injuries and a lack of immediate reinforcements.
The acquisition of Jérémy Jacquet from Rennes for a reported fee of £55 million plus £5 million in potential add-ons is a clear indication of Liverpool's long-term vision. Jacquet, a French youth international, is considered one of the best centre-backs of his generation, with the potential to become one of the world's best in the coming years. He is described as tall, quick, strong, and dominant in duels. Liverpool have secured Jacquet on a contract until 2031, but he will remain at Rennes until the summer.
In addition to Jacquet, Liverpool have also signed Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Wien for a reported fee of £2.6 million. The Austrian youth international is also set to join the Premier League club at the start of the 2026-27 season.
While these signings demonstrate Liverpool's commitment to building a strong defensive foundation for the future, they do not address the immediate challenges the team faces. Currently, Liverpool are dealing with a shortage of healthy defenders. Injuries to key players like Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley have left the right-back position particularly vulnerable. Furthermore, the season-ending injury to young centre-back Giovanni Leoni has further depleted the defensive ranks. Joe Gomez, another versatile defender, has also been sidelined with a groin injury.
The lack of available defenders has forced manager Arne Slot to use midfielders like Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo in defensive roles. This makeshift solution highlights the team's current defensive fragility and limits Slot's tactical options.
Liverpool's pursuit of defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window was largely unsuccessful. A potential move for Lutsharel Geertruida, who played under Slot at Feyenoord and was on loan at Sunderland, did not materialize. The club also missed out on signing Marc Guéhi, with Manchester City swooping in to secure his signature.
The failure to bring in immediate defensive reinforcements has led to criticism of Liverpool's transfer strategy. Some observers argue that the club's focus on long-term planning has come at the expense of addressing the team's current needs. Opta Analyst labelled Liverpool as one of the "losers" of the January transfer window, highlighting the failure to resolve key defensive weaknesses.
With a thin defense and injuries piling up, Liverpool face a challenging period. The team's defensive struggles have been evident in recent matches, with concerns raised about their ability to defend crosses and maintain solidity at the back. Virgil van Dijk, the team's captain, has not been at his best, and Ibrahima Konaté has struggled for consistency.
Despite the current difficulties, Liverpool's long-term defensive outlook remains positive. The arrival of Jacquet and Ndukwe in the summer will provide a significant boost to the team's defensive capabilities. However, until then, Arne Slot must find solutions to navigate the current crisis and ensure that Liverpool's defensive frailties do not derail their season.