Liverpool are adamant they will not make any knee-jerk decisions amid calls to sign a new defender, according to reports, despite a number of key absences.
With Jeremy Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez all injured and Virgil van Dijk missing the USA tour, Andoni Iraola has been left with a threadbare defence.
The situation has even led assistant Tommy Elphick to join the likes of Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Luke Chambers as centre-back options in training.
But despite wider calls for Liverpool to sign a new defender – with a versatile option capable of playing centre-back and right-back the preferred route for many – Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam claims there are no such plans at this stage.
“No, is the answer we are being told,” the well-connected reporter said when asked if there was any thought to reinforce at the back.
He explained: “My understanding is Liverpool will not go into the market to sign a player for the next four to six weeks.
“Do you spend £50 million, £60 million on a defender and then in six weeks’ time when everyone’s fit and back, what’s he going to do, sit on the bench? Sit in the stands?
“It doesn’t make financial sense. They’re just going to have to ride the storm and then wait for their players to come back. Then they will be at full strength at the back.”
Liverpool’s only summer signing was made on June 18
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong speaks to head coach Andoni Iraola (R) during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong speaks to head coach Andoni Iraola (R) during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Despite those injuries and Van Dijk turning 35 this summer, Liverpool’s priorities appear to remain elsewhere – and chiefly in strengthening their attack.
But inactivity around their defensive options has led to more scrutiny over sporting director Richard Hughes, who is poised to leave for Al-Hilal after the transfer window.
Though Jacquet’s £60 million move from Rennes became official this summer, the £34.5 million spend on Victor Munoz is the only deal Hughes has brokered in the off-season so far – and the Spaniard’s switch was finalised more than six weeks ago.
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Giovanni Leoni during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Giovanni Leoni during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool are not only short at centre-back but also at right-back, with Conor Bradley still a way off returning from a serious knee injury.
Jeremie Frimpong will be used at both right-back and further forward in attack and the Dutchman’s own issues were brought back to the fore as he was forced off with a minor concern against Leeds on Sunday.
The hope is that either Liverpool’s stance changes and work is already being conducted on a new arrival, or the likes of Leoni and Jacquet make a swift return before the Premier League opener against Newcastle on August 23.
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Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool USA Tour Day 6 – Liverpool FC v Sunderland AFC
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola (L) and first team coach Tommy Elphick during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at the Nashville SC Stadium. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Leeds United FC
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's goalkeeper Harvey Davies during the pre-match warm-up before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)