Liverpool weigh transfer for world-class defender amid €17m demandDefensive rebuild shaping for 2026
Liverpool’s long-term planning continues behind the scenes, and based on , the membership may return to the switch marketplace for a centre-back in 2026. Having missed out on Marc Guehi late in the summertime window, the Reds discover themselves quick in defence following Giovanni Leoni’s knee harm, which leaves Arne Slot with solely three match senior centre-backs.
Picture IMAGO
Commercial
Joe Gomez’s future stays unsure and Ibrahima Konate’s contract is because of expire subsequent summer season. It’s clear that Liverpool might want to reinforce their defensive position earlier than the scenario turns into essential. Whether or not they revisit Guehi as an possibility stays unclear, particularly with non-English golf equipment now capable of provide pre-contracts from January.
Picture: IMAGO
Curiosity in Upamecano grows
As Anfield Watch report, Liverpool have turned their consideration to a different goal, with Dayot Upamecano rising as a real candidate. His scenario at Bayern Munich mirrors Konate’s in some ways. The French defender’s contract is working down, and negotiations over an extension are mentioned to be difficult.
Commercial
“Bild experiences that Liverpool are very a lot within the combine for Dayot Upamecano,” the article states. “Like Konate, his contract expires on the finish of the season and once more like his compatriot, talks over a brand new deal are a battle.”
Picture IMAGO
The report provides that Bayern have agreed a wage bundle however are but to satisfy the participant’s demand for a €17m signing bonus. The quantity may sound extraordinary, but it displays the present monetary local weather the place elite defenders maintain rising leverage.
Competitors for signature
If Bayern refuse to satisfy his phrases, curiosity from Actual Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United may complicate issues additional. Nonetheless, Liverpool are understood to be monitoring developments intently.
Commercial
“He’s a participant who may repair critical issues for them,” the report concludes, and few would disagree. A defender of Upamecano’s calibre, together with his tempo, energy and Champions League expertise, matches Liverpool’s profile completely.
Strategic transfer forward
Liverpool’s recruitment group, led by Richard Hughes, have demonstrated persistence in ready for the correct alternative. Whether or not €17m in bonuses proves a stumbling block or a press release of ambition stays to be seen. What’s sure is that Liverpool’s defensive rebuild has solely simply begun.
Our View – Anfield Index Evaluation
The concept of signing a confirmed defender like Upamecano feels each formidable and logical. The membership’s defensive depth has regarded fragile for too lengthy, and with Konate’s contract uncertainty alongside Gomez’s fluctuating kind, a serious addition may redefine the again line.
Commercial
The €17m signing bonus may sound extreme, however in context, it represents an funding in stability and elite expertise. Liverpool’s latest historical past has proven that calculated spending on key gamers pays dividends, simply because it did with Alisson and Van Dijk.
There’s additionally the strategic dimension. Signing Upamecano would sign that Liverpool stay able to compete financially with Europe’s greatest golf equipment. If Bayern hesitate, Liverpool may capitalise, particularly if their very own wage construction permits for artistic incentives slightly than headline-grabbing charges.
In reality, Guehi could be a wise long-term possibility too, however the attraction of Upamecano’s readiness for instant impression is powerful. Followers will hope the membership act decisively slightly than ready till 2026. With the group nonetheless contending on a number of fronts, one other harm may go away the again line uncovered once more.
If the chance arises, €17m may not look extraordinary in any respect—it’d seem like worth.
