Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, applauds the fans following the team's victory during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)placeholder image
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, applauds the fans following the team's victory during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Liverpool are on the market for new defensive options in the new year
Liverpool ‘may well make a move’ for a Premier League defender in 2026 to boost their options across the backline, according to new reports.
The Reds are now seriously limited with their centre-back choices as they currently have just Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate at their disposal. Summer signing Giovanni Leoni could be out for the full season with an ACL injury, and Joe Gomez has also suffered a new fitness setback.
The 28-year-old has been absent for the last two Premier League games and there has been no clear indication of when he might return.
Konate’s future is also unclear. With his contract due to expire in June, the club appear to be no closer to agreeing a new deal with him, meaning he could leave Anfield as a free agent at the end of the season.
Liverpool rival Tottenham for Jan Paul van Hecke
According to former Manchester United scout Mick Brown, Liverpool are in the race to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton and Hove Albion. They face competition from Tottenham Hotspur, though.
“Liverpool and Tottenham have both been watching Van Hecke,” Brown told Football Insider.
“I used to think he was a solid defender but not much more than that, but to be fair to him, over the last season or two he has really improved his game. He’s showing every week for Brighton that he is better than just an ordinary defender, and that’s what’s highlighted his talent to these other clubs.
“Those are two very attractive options for him and something I’m sure he will take notice of if they are going to make a move for him.
“Liverpool have been keeping an eye on him because of their situation, and if he becomes available for whatever reason, they may well make a move.
“Tottenham also want reinforcements and he’s somebody who has been on their radar for a while. If Brighton keep struggling like they have been recently, then that opportunity might come up.”
How much would Jan Paul van Hecke cost?
Tottenham have been eyeing Van Hecke for a while now. Earlier this month, TEAMtalk reported that they could potentially be readying a £40 million bid in attempt to sign him next year.
The Netherlands international is under contract until 2027, meaning clubs could attempt to snap him up for a cut price next year. Dutch outlet VI reported over the summer that Van Hecke had opened the door to a departure, having spent the last five years with Brighton.
The Seagulls reportedly tried to tempt the 25-year-old with ‘several offers’ to stay beyond his current terms but he ‘prefers a new move’ elsewhere.
The main name on Liverpool’s radar for the past several months has been Marc Guehi. While he still remains a target of interest for the Reds, they are also expanding their options as the Crystal Palace star is not short of offers. However, both Barcelona and Real Madrid recently pulled out of the race for his signature, narrowing the competition down to mainly English clubs.
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