Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool are heading into another summer where defensive contracts and long-term planning dominate internal discussions.
Several key agreements remain unresolved, and the pressure is building.
The most immediate concern is Ibrahima Konate.
The French centre-back is approaching the final stretch of his contract with no breakthrough in negotiations.
That situation leaves Liverpool exposed to the possibility of losing an elite defender for nothing, with heavyweight clubs such as Real Madrid circling.
Virgil van Dijk continues to anchor the back line, but time is a factor.
The captain is now 34 and entering the final year of the extension he signed last season. Liverpool still trust his leadership and presence, yet succession planning is unavoidable.
Andy Robertson’s situation has also drawn attention.
A January approach from Tottenham Hotspur was rejected because Liverpool lacked defensive cover, highlighting how thin margins already are inside the squad.
These contract questions sit against the backdrop of last summer’s high-profile exit of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid.
That departure forced the club to accelerate its rebuild plans and reassess how quickly defensive transitions can happen at the top level.
The result is a recruitment strategy focused not just on talent, but on durability, availability, and long-term squad balance.
Liverpool’s scouting department has therefore widened its search for defensive reinforcements.
Over the past two seasons, the club has tracked several centre-backs across Europe as insurance against injuries and expiring deals.
Some targets, like newly secured Jeremy Jacquet, are seen as cornerstone pieces for the future.
Others have represented calculated risks, where talent must be weighed against medical history and contractual complexity.
One such defender previously monitored by Liverpool perfectly illustrated that balance between potential reward and long-term risk.
Perr Schuurs, and Torino have now officially terminated his contract by mutual consent after his long recovery from an ACL injury.
Schuurs joined Torino from Ajax in 2022 and quickly established himself as a starter. He made 43 appearances and scored twice.
But everything shifted in October 2023 when he tore his ACL against Inter. He has not played since.
Torino confirmed the separation with a heartfelt statement, “President Urbano Cairo and everyone at Torino Football Club wish Perr all the best for his future and send him a warm embrace.”
“Even though our paths part ways today, we know our bond remains strong: Turin is your home, and you will always be one of us. His story is a perfect example of professionalism, commitment, and dedication to the cause.”
“Thank you for everything, Perr, and we hope to meet again soon.”
Schuurs responded emotionally as he prepares to continue rehabilitation in the Netherlands, “My injury changed everything.”
“It was and still is a difficult period, but I never gave up. Every day I fought to get back on the pitch with only one goal: to become a stronger player.”
“This is not a farewell; we will see each other again. Torino will always be my place, and I will continue to fight for my comeback.”
For Liverpool, this situation reinforces why contract clarity and medical evaluation are central to recruitment.
Talent alone is never the full story. Availability matters just as much.
Oggi purtroppo si chiude il rapporto lavorativo tra il Toro e Schuurs. Le statistiche raccontano di un’esperienza di 43 presenze e due gol con la maglia granata, ma la storia di Perr a Torino è molto di più: è la perfetta testimonianza di professionalità, serietà e dedizione alla… pic.twitter.com/YPztCOmVvB
— Torino Football Club (@TorinoFC_1906) February 6, 2026
Il messaggio di Perr a tutti i tifosi granata 🫶🐂 pic.twitter.com/trGsAnuWSd
— Torino Football Club (@TorinoFC_1906) February 6, 2026
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