Liverpool’s pursuit of a new centre-back has hit a major hurdle during the January transfer window.
With Giovanni Leoni sidelined, the Reds currently have just three fit players covering two positions.
But one of those is Gomez, who is needed at right-back, is injury-prone and could leave Liverpool this summer.
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Similarly, Ibrahima Konate is out of contract at the end of June, and there are no signs that fresh terms are close to being agreed.
Liverpool did want to sign Marc Guehi, but the England international has now moved to Manchester City.
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Jeremy Jacquet points and smiles at the crowd after Rennes' Ligue 1 match against Paris FC (Credit: Getty Images/Jean Catuffe).
Marc Guehi warms up ahead of Crystal Palace's Carabao Cup match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Vince Mignott/MB Media).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Jean Catuffe/Vince Mignott/MB Media
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Liverpool’s interest in Micky van de Ven genuine
With Guehi off the table, there is another centre-back the Merseyside outfit may turn to in order to strengthen their backline.
Prior to his Tottenham Hotspur move, the Reds were linked to Micky Van de Ven, who was called ‘tremendous’ back in 2023.
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The Dutchman has since spent several years in North London, but recent reports claimed Van de Ven was growing frustrated at Tottenham.
Now, journalist Dean Jones has provided a fresh update on the situation and, when doing so, stated Liverpool’s interest in the stopper is genuine.
He said: “Tottenham risk seeing their fears of losing Van de Ven intensify unless a new elite manager is in place by next summer.
“The Dutch defender has not yet agreed a new deal and is believed to have delayed the issue while Thomas Frank has been in charge.
“He has been one of the few players to show spells of consistency and decent form this season, but Tottenham face losing him if their season is not salvaged, as he has been unconvinced by the project.
“He has also become aware of opportunities that may lie elsewhere. Liverpool’s interest is genuine, while Real Madrid are also keeping an eye on how things play out.”
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Liverpool could have busy 2026 summer transfer window
Alongside Van de Ven, Jones suggested several more players could arrive at Anfield later this year.
Liverpool spent over £400m on players last year, but there is still a lack of depth in certain areas.
On that front, potential moves for full-backs, a midfielder and a Mohamed Salah replacement have been mooted.
Jones said: “Liverpool could look at four or five more significant signings at the end of this season and that would mean more adaptation time needed for the squad.
“Sources are indicating that they are still very much going into the market for a centre-back, despite deciding not to get involved in a battle with Manchester City to sign Marc Guehi.
“And there are also hints that the Reds will sign another right-back, left-back and a central midfielder. They may even sign a new right sided attacker if Mohamed Salah leaves.”
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