Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool haven’t had much to celebrate this season. A strong start gave way to dropped points, with a run of losses and draws pulling them down the table. Injuries played a role, but key matches slipped away regardless of who was on the pitch. According to premier league odds, their chances of winning the title are now slim, with Arsenal and Manchester City leading the race.
That doesn’t mean the club will wait around. Plans for 2026 are already taking shape, and one issue stands out. If Liverpool want to steady the ship, they need to fix their defence. The backline lacks depth and consistency, and the demands of a full season have exposed the gaps.
Current Defensive Challenges
Liverpool’s defensive problems this season haven’t come from a single issue; they’ve come from several issues hitting at once. Injuries have disrupted rhythm, key players have missed stretches, and depth has been tested more than expected. Virgil van Dijk remains the anchor, but he can’t cover everything. The players around him haven’t always been available or reliable.
Ibrahima Konaté’s form has dipped at times, and his future remains unclear, with no agreement yet on an extension. Joe Gomez has filled in for different roles when needed, but his contract talks are still unresolved, leaving another question hanging. When Giovanni Leoni joined, the idea was to develop him into a long-term option. That plan stalled after his early knee injury.
Liverpool went after defensive reinforcements in previous windows but didn’t get them over the line. That lack of movement has cost them. When one or two defenders are out, the system starts to stretch.
Key Players and Contract Situations
The defensive rebuild depends heavily on contract outcomes. Konaté’s deal is the most urgent. He’s still viewed as a first-choice player when fit, so clarity on his future is key.
Andy Robertson’s situation is different. He’s approaching 32, and while he can still contribute, Liverpool are already looking at succession planning.
Alisson’s position is more stable. The club has an option to extend his contract and fully intends to use it, locking down the goalkeeper spot. These decisions shape the scope of the rebuild. If key names leave, Liverpool will need more than just one or two new defenders.
Potential Targets for Reinforcement
Marc Guéhi remains a key name. Liverpool have tracked him for over a year and see him as a good stylistic fit. He’s solid on the ball, works well in a high line, and doesn’t shy away from duels.
If Konaté stays, Liverpool may target just one central defender to add cover and competition. If he leaves, the approach will have to change: two centre-backs would likely be needed, including at least one who can step straight into the starting XI. The recruitment team is focused on players who can slot into the existing system with minimal adjustment time.
Financial Position and Spending Power
Liverpool’s financial management in recent windows has given them room to move. Major sales last summer, combined with ongoing commercial strength, have kept the club in a healthy position under the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
Defensive reinforcements are the focus, but any move must meet the same standards as recent signings: the right profile, at the right price, with long-term value.
That means Liverpool can act early if the right players are available, or wait for smarter deals closer to the window’s end. Either way, there’s flexibility. The club doesn’t need to take risks to fill gaps, but it does need to act with precision to avoid a repeat of this season’s problems at the back.
Defence Will Shape 2026 Success
No system works without defensive stability. Liverpool have seen the cost of being stretched too thin at the back, not just in goals conceded, but in how it affects the midfield and limits the front line. Games that should have been controlled turned into open contests. Leads were dropped. Points slipped away.
Arne Slot’s system depends on control in the build-up. That only works if the defenders behind the ball can read the game, move it forward quickly, and deal with pressure when it comes. Right now, the squad lacks the depth and profile to do that across a full season. Fixing it isn’t optional; it’s central to the plan.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.