Transfer Priority
This season, Liverpool has faced significant defensive challenges, making the acquisition of a new centre-back a top priority for the January transfer window. Despite spending a record €483 million on new players last summer, much of that investment—€365 million—was allocated to attacking players such as Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitiké. New full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez were added to the squad, but their performances have been underwhelming thus far. The only centre-back brought in was the highly-rated Giovanni Leoni, who unfortunately suffered an ACL injury that has sidelined him for the entire season.
On deadline day, Liverpool was close to finalizing a deal for Marc Guéhi from Crystal Palace, but it fell through at the last minute. Currently, the club’s options at centre-back are limited to Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez. Former player Jamie Carragher has emphasized the need for an additional signing in January to avert potential disaster: “Liverpool are probably one injury away at centre-back from really derailing the season, so they must go to the market in January.” As a result, we’ve identified five potential centre-back targets for Liverpool in the upcoming transfer window.
Liverpool almost secured Guéhi’s signing last summer, and with his contract set to expire at the end of this season, Crystal Palace will face a significant decision in January. Several European clubs are eyeing him for a possible free transfer, and it’s believed that Anfield remains Guéhi’s preferred destination. Palace may consider selling if they receive an enticing offer, especially as they aspire to achieve European qualification.
Joel Ordóñez, although still relatively unknown, is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most exciting young defenders. The 21-year-old has shown exceptional growth at Club Brugge and was expected to leave in the summer. He nearly joined Marseille for €30m, and a €40m offer from Saudi Arabia was also on the table, but he opted to stay. Transfermarkt suggests he could be available for around €35-40 million, and Liverpool has been monitoring him closely, though Newcastle is also showing strong interest.
Interestingly, Ousmane Diomande was Crystal Palace’s preferred choice to replace Guéhi last summer, with advanced negotiations with Sporting CP. Palace may attempt to revisit that deal, but Liverpool could swoop in. The Reds have been linked with Diomande in previous windows, and with his contract entering its final year, his price may decrease. The Ivorian boasts a strong combination of physical and technical attributes that would appeal to Liverpool.
Another option on Liverpool’s radar is Konstantinos Koulierakis, who has performed impressively for Wolfsburg since his move from PAOK in 2024. Koulierakis embodies many of the qualities sought in a modern centre-back and is currently valued at €25 million. However, Wolfsburg would likely demand a fee above €35 million should Liverpool pursue him in January.
Finally, there’s Zeno Debast, a wildcard option generating interest throughout Europe. The 22-year-old has become a key player for Belgium and is flourishing alongside Diomande at Sporting CP. With Sporting’s business model focused on selling top talents to Premier League clubs, Debast could be one of the next players to leave. Currently dealing with a knee injury, he is expected to return soon and Liverpool has been linked to the promising defender.
