Liverpool’s “priority” signing is a centre-back over Bradley Barcola in the summer transfer window, according to a new claim from former scout Mick Brown.
It looks increasingly as though Barcola will join the Reds from Paris Saint-Germain sooner rather than later, with the two clubs just needing to agree a transfer fee.
But speaking to Football Insider, Brown said that a central defender is seen as Liverpool’s “priority” heading into the 2026/27 season, with a lack of options there currently:
“There’s been lots of talk about attacking reinforcements at Liverpool. But from what I hear, their top priority is going to be bringing in another centre-back, because it’s a position they want to address before the Premier League season starts.
“Even last summer, they wanted to bring in a new defender and they wanted Marc Guehi, they missed out eventually but that hasn’t changed their desire to sign a centre-back. When you look at their current options, Konate has moved on, Van Dijk is getting older and wasn’t his usual self last season, then they’ve brought Jacquet in who is unproven.
“Joe Gomez is the other option, but after he picked up an injury in their pre-season game the other day, there’s an even greater need to sign a new defender. The manager has assessed his squad, he knows what he wants, and the addition of a top-class centre-back is going to be crucial for them.
“I have no doubt they want to strengthen out wide and that’s why Barcola is being spoken about, but they have to prioritise bringing in a centre-back, or they will be at risk.”
New centre-back an absolute must for Liverpool?
This is refreshing to hear, with another centre-back absolutely vital for Liverpool in the current transfer window, following Ibrahima Konate’s move to Real Madrid.
Virgil van Dijk feels like the only proven option for the Reds at the back, in terms of age and availability, with Joe Gomez’s injuries continuing to be an issue.
Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni both have the potential to become world-class defenders eventually, but it would be unfair to expect too much early on.
If Liverpool can sign an experienced centre-back, Barcola and also add depth at right-back and in midfield, they will look primed for a great start to life under Andoni Iraola.
Henry is an experienced football writer with a huge passion and knowledge of Liverpool.
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