Liverpool are in need of a new centre-back after Joel Matip’s departure, and there are several potential options for the club to consider. One of the most obvious candidates is Leny Yoro from Lille. The French teenager has already made 60 appearances for Lille and is being pursued by Liverpool. Yoro has a similar playing style to Virgil van Dijk, making him a potential long-term successor to the Liverpool captain. However, there is competition for his signature, with Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain also interested.
Another Frenchman who could be considered is Jean-Clair Todibo from OGC Nice. Todibo is a front-footed centre-back who excels in possession. He would be an ideal replacement for Matip and would compete with Ibrahima Konate for a starting spot. Liverpool have also been linked with Willian Pacho from Eintracht Frankfurt. The Ecuador international is dominant on the ground and strong in possession, making him a good fit for Liverpool’s system.
Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP is another target for Liverpool. Diomande is a natural right-sided centre-back who is comfortable on the ball. However, there is a risk of losing him for periods during the Africa Cup of Nations due to his status as an Ivory Coast international. Levi Colwill from Chelsea is another option for Liverpool. Despite losing his place in the Chelsea side, Colwill is poised to break through as a stylish left centre-back and is eligible as a homegrown player.
Nico Schlotterbeck from Dortmund is a defender who has not been linked with Liverpool, but his impressive data in ball-playing metrics makes him a likely consideration for the club. Ronald Araujo from Barcelona could be sold this summer due to Barcelona’s financial issues, and Liverpool should be in the conversation for the lightning-fast and physically imposing Uruguayan. Odilon Kossounou from Bayer Leverkusen is another option, although Leverkusen may be willing to sell him for the right price.
David Hancko from Feyenoord is a player that Liverpool’s new head coach, Arne Slot, is familiar with. Hancko’s ability to bring the ball out of defence from his left-sided role makes him an attractive option. Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen is capable of playing both centre-back and left-back, providing versatility to Liverpool’s defence. However, his agent has cited a high price tag for the Ecuadorian.
Liverpool have several options to choose from as they look to strengthen their centre-back position this summer. Each player brings unique qualities and could contribute to the team’s success. It remains to be seen which player Liverpool will ultimately pursue, but they have a range of talented options to consider.