Liverpool are short of defensive options across the majority of their backline right now.
After the 0-0 draw with Arsenal, there are fears over Conor Bradley’s injury, which he picked up without coming into contact with a player.
Should Bradley be sidelined for a prolonged period, it would force Joe Gomez to, as he has done already this season, provide cover at right-back alongside Jeremie Frimpong.
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Conor Bradley could be out for a LONG time. Who is your ideal replacement? 🤕
Should Liverpool sign a right-back in January, or rely on the injury-prone Gomez as cover?
Conor Bradley and Leandro Trossard during Arsenal v Liverpool - Premier League
Credit: Marc Atkins/Getty Images
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If that is the case, there is not a single fit senior centre-back on Liverpool’s books other than Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
The obvious solution to this would be for the Reds to complete a deal for Marc Guehi this summer.
The stopper is out of contract at the end of June, but given Manchester City are now interested, trying to do a deal now would be wise.
However, the latest information is that Liverpool want Guehi after the 2025/26 season on a free, not in January.
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In turn, given the serious lack of defensive options at the club at present, another centre-back may need to be looked at.
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Marc Guehi pictured at the Emirates Stadium ahead of Crystal Palace's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal
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Micky van den Ven fed up at Tottenham
One potential option that could be explored is Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven.
Liverpool were linked to Van de Ven, who was called ‘tremendous’ back in 2023 when he was still on the books of Wolfsburg.
However, the Dutchman instead moved to North London, but may be open to a transfer in the future.
A report from the Telegraph claims that while there has been some suggestion about a new deal for the stopper, some sources believe he has grown frustrated with his situation at Spurs.
If that is the case, then Liverpool moving for Van den Ven this winter would be perfect for all involved.
Slot would finally get another option at centre-back, the player could move on from his current issues, and the Reds would benefit from having two Dutch national team stars featuring side by side in an area that has been a problem position for much of 2025/26.
Van de Ven hailed Van Dijk previously, saying: “I think Virgil [Van Dijk] was the last couple of years and this year also one of the best defenders in the Premier League, for sure.
“The year they grabbed the title he was unbelievable and showed how important he is for Liverpool. He shows how important he is the last couple of years.”
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