Liverpool kicked off the 2025/26 Premier League campaign in dramatic fashion after a 4-2 win against Bournemouth.
Antoine Semenyo threatened to spoil the party at Anfield as his brace in the second half allowed the visitors to level the contest; however, Federico Chiesa “made the difference” alongside Mohamed Salah to secure the opening day result.
The Reds took a two-goal lead heading into the half-time break, courtesy of Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo, but found themselves scrambling to regain the lead in the final 15 minutes of the match.
Liverpool v Bournemouth - Premier League
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It was a game that easily could have got away from Liverpool, and now captain Virgil van Dijk has sent a clear message to the decision-makers at Anfield.
Virgil van Dijk wants another defender at Liverpool
When speaking in his post-match interview, van Dijk reiterated his desire to improve the squad after the Reds captain called for a new forward following the Community Shield loss.
“You can say you have to accelerate it (improvement) but that is down to the market,” van Dijk said. “We have to focus on what’s here and now. I think it (defensively) was much more improved than the last game but there is still work to do.
“The manager already said we are playing with a right-back (Jeremie Frimpong) who came from the Bundesliga, is 24 years old and is trying to get used to how we defend, we play with Milos (Kerkez) who is a very young full-back, very eager and full of energy, who is trying to get used to the way we play.
“It needs time, that’s absolutely normal, but we also played without our six, Ryan Gravenberch, who missed out (with suspension). We have to keep working, that’s the main thing, trying to keep clean sheets.
NGLAND - AUGUST 15: Referee Anthony Taylor gestures towards Alexis Mac Allister and Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool who can be seen reacting against a decision during the Premier League match between Liverpool a
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“We conceded two goals in a transition moment where we have to do better. That’s what we have to work on.”
As TBR Football exclusively revealed, Liverpool signing Marc Guehi depends on Konate due to the Frenchman’s ongoing contract negotiations.
The Reds announced Giovanni Leoni as a new centre-back at Anfield prior to kick-off on Friday but it seems Arne Slot is determined to further bolster his defensive options.
Marc Guehi alternative options for Liverpool
TBR Football understands Liverpool have other centre-backs on the radar should Guehi decide to see out his final year at Selhurst Park.
While it is likely the Reds will be at the front of the queue in 2026 when the England international will be available on a free transfer, there is every chance Richard Hughes takes a punt on one of four names this summer.
Jarrad Braithwaite of Everton
Murillo of Nottingham Forest
Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge
Konstantinos Koulierakis of Wolfsburg
Jarrad Branthwaite in action during Everton FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar Via Getty Images
Admittedly, it would be near impossible for Liverpool to pry Murillo out of Nottingham Forest now that the season is underway, and even more so to get Branthwaite out of cross-city rivals Everton.
Nevertheless, Slot’s side have conceded four goals in two competitive fixtures to start the campaign, and with clashes against Newcastle and Arsenal up next, he must find a solution fast.