Having already sanctioned a record-breaking summer outlay exceeding £450 million in recent windows to overhaul the squad, Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes was under no illusions about the financial and operational scale of the task ahead. Spending heavily to usher in a new era at Anfield, Hughes aimed to balance immediate world-class quality with long-term squad depth.
Yet, as is so often the case in elite football, even heavy financial commitment cannot protect a squad from circumstances beyond its control. Before the campaign under manager Andoni Iraola could even establish its rhythm, the medical room at the AXA Training Centre became acutely overcrowded.
When Trent Alexander-Arnold made the decision to call time on his Liverpool career and head for the Bernabeu, senior figures at Anfield knew replacing his creative influence would present an unprecedented recruitment puzzle.
The summer response was twofold: secure homegrown talent Conor Bradley to a new long-term deal, while sanctioning a £30 million deal to land Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong.
The defensive crisis at right-back forced former head coach Arne Slot to rely on tactical versatility, leading him to deploy both Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones out of position. Szoboszlai emerged as Slot’s primary improvisational solution on the right side of defence. First tested in the position during pre-season, the Hungarian skipper made several competitive starts at right-back, notably stepping in for high-stakes Premier League fixtures and European nights.
Similarly, Curtis Jones was called upon to fill in at right-back during periods of extreme squad strain. Known for his press resistance and ball retention, Jones offered an inverted option when dropping into the backline, stepping up to plug gaps during second-half adjustments or fixture congestion.
Yet before Andoni Iraola’s first full campaign on Merseyside has even gained real traction, those best-laid structural plans have encountered immediate tactical resistance.
Both Frimpong and Bradley are currently sidelined with injuries, leaving the newly appointed head coach dangerously thin on the right-hand side.
While the makeshift solution demonstrated the impressive adaptability within the squad, it also underscored the urgency behind Liverpool’s recruitment drive for defensive depth.
While Sporting Director Richard Hughes acted decisively to plug a central defensive gap securing Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo on loan to partner Virgil van Dijk as the only two fit senior centre-backs the right-back position remains an urgent operational priority.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has indicated that Liverpool could re-enter the market before the transfer window closes, with Chelsea’s Malo Gusto emerging as a primary point of focus.
**The Valuation Dilemma at Stamford Bridge**
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Liverpool have registered an official interest in the 23-year-old France international, though initial figures have proven restrictive. Stamford Bridge chiefs originally established an ambitious valuation of £75 million (€85 million) for Gusto, but there is an internal belief at AXA Training Centre that Chelsea’s stance could soften if formal negotiations accelerate.
A report via [Spanish outlet _Fichajes_](https://www.fichajes.com/a5077729829209204249-el-liverpool-se-plantea-un-fichaje-de-85-meur) highlights Chelsea’s willingness to discuss terms as they navigate squad balance issues in West London.
> _**“The London club still has several issues to resolve,” the report reads. “One of them could be the situation of this French defender, capable of playing on either flank, as he is a player sought after by another top team, Liverpool. To let him go, the Stamford Bridge club had set a price of around €85 million.”**_
While a transfer fee approaching £73 million remains a steep figure for a full-back, the report notes that Stamford Bridge officials are open to structural compromises.
> **_“He’s a key addition to help solidify the squad with which Andoni Iraola will be aiming for titles,” the report adds. “And Chelsea might be willing to lower their asking price for this player.”_**
**Domestic rivalry and tactical f****it**
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Any Liverpool approach for Gusto will not proceed without competition. Manchester City maintain an ongoing interest where Gusto’s relationship with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca remains a factor while Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, and Juventus have all gathered intelligence on his availability.
Developments inside Chelsea could further influence his desire to seek a new challenge. The London club have secured Marco Palestra from Atalanta to occupy the right wing-back role and have experimented with Pedro Neto in a similar capacity, potentially diminishing Gusto’s guarantees of regular playing time.
Though Chelsea would naturally prefer to direct any potential sale abroad, a substantial proposal from Liverpool would present a significant financial decision. Gusto differs stylistically from Alexander-Arnold, but his Premier League readiness, defensive output, and age profile make him an increasingly compelling target for Hughes and Iraola as the deadline approaches.