Despite confirming the signing of Jeremy Jacquet ahead of this summer’s transfer window, Liverpool are set to be on the hunt for another new addition in 2026.
The Reds are set to undergo an overhaul of their defensive options, with Jacquet arriving as a nod to the future.
But if Ibrahima Konate leaves, as currently looks likely, Liverpool must bring in a more experienced centre-half to ease the pressure on Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni.
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Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates in front of the Kop after scoring in Liverpool's FA Cup fourth round match against Brighton at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Charlotte Wilson/Offside).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Charlotte Wilson/Offside
Marc Guehi was supposed to be that player, but after Liverpool let the 25-year-old join Man City in January, they must now look to other options.
After journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed his availability heading into the summer window, Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba must come into their thinking.
Liverpool can get Edmond Tapsoba for £35m
Liverpool have previously been linked with Tapsoba as they weighed up new additions to their defence in 2023.
Having stayed at Leverkusen, the 27-year-old has continued to look impressive, racking up more than 250 appearances for the German team since joining in 2020.
Edmond Tapsoba celebrates after scoring for Bayer Leverkusen against St Pauli in the Bundesliga
Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images
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According to Romano, though, Tapsoba’s stay in Germany is likely to come to an end this summer. Speaking on his YouTube channel on Sunday, the transfer expert claimed that £35m will be enough to secure a transfer.
“Edmond Tapsoba could make his move in this summer transfer window 2026,” says Romano. “He had the chance with Newcastle, with Tottenham, with Paris Saint Germain, several clubs have been interested in Tapsoba in the last two, three years.
“Now he’s doing very well, already six goal contributions in the Bundesliga and what I can tell you today is that my understanding is that with a transfer fee of around 40 million Euros, Tapsoba could be leaving Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.”
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Virgil van Dijk celebrates Alexis Mac Allister scoring for Liverpool against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Chris Brunskill/Fantasista).
Photo credit: Getty Images/Chris Brunskill/Fantasista
“Several clubs are aware of that with already some contacts and calls taking place. 40 million Euros could be the magic number in order to get the green light for Edmond Tapsoba. One to watch for sure.”
Liverpool won’t get better than Tapsoba for the price
If Liverpool do sign a more experienced centre-back this summer, then they do not necessarily have to be someone on the level of Konate.
Jacquet is clearly the big hope at Anfield, and alongside Leoni he can take Liverpool into the future.
However, both youngsters may not be ready to partner Virgil van Dijk on a full-time basis next season, making the need for someone like Tapsoba more acute.
At 27, the Burkina Faso international is in his peak, and for £35m Liverpool will not find a better deal in the centre-back market.
Capable of taking the heat off Jacquet when needed but also not one to block his pathway to the starting XI, Tapsoba may well be the opportunity Liverpool have been searching for.
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