How Liverpool’s hierarchy privately view the squad’s depth following the closure of the January transfer window
Liverpool’s hierarchy are believed to be comfortable with the defensive options currently at Arne Slot’s disposal for the remainder of the season.
Late on transfer deadline day, the Reds confirmed the signing of Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet. However, the 20-year-old will not link up with Liverpool until the summer, remaining in Ligue 1 for the rest of the campaign.
Despite mounting injury problems at the back, Liverpool opted against making any immediate first-team defensive additions in January. The situation has been compounded by season-ending setbacks suffered by Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni.
Jeremie Frimpong is also out injured at present, though Joe Gomez is expected to return imminently. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate made an emotional return to action against Newcastle last weekend, shortly after the passing of his father.
Liverpool confident over defensive depth
Writing for The Athletic, Andy Jones provided further insight into the Jacquet deal, explaining that Liverpool’s leadership believe the squad has enough depth to cope until the end of the season, with Jacquet viewed as a long-term addition worth waiting for.
He noted:
“With Konate back from compassionate leave, Gomez likely to be available for Sunday’s visit of Manchester City after a hip issue, and Frimpong’s groin injury not considered serious, Liverpool are confident they can manage through to May.
“An immediate move for Jacquet was never realistic due to Rennes’ own push for European qualification. Liverpool feel he will be worth the wait.”
Walking a fine line defensively
While the expected returns of Gomez and Frimpong would certainly improve the outlook—Frimpong is tipped to be back towards the end of the month according to Premier Injuries—the uncomfortable truth is that Liverpool remain just one more absence away from serious concern among supporters.
Against Qarabag last week, aside from the opening five minutes, half of Liverpool’s back line consisted of midfielders, with Ryan Gravenberch filling in alongside Virgil van Dijk at centre-back and Wataru Endo operating as an emergency right-back.
Dominik Szoboszlai was then asked to perform a similar role against Newcastle on Saturday and could be required to do so again in the next three fixtures before Frimpong’s expected return—assuming his recovery stays on track.
Jacquet’s summer arrival is a major boost and represents a significant coup, but there is a lingering fear that by the time he arrives at Anfield, Liverpool may no longer be able to offer Champions League football in his debut season.
Until then, the Reds will continue to tread a fine line defensively for the rest of this campaign, even if those in charge remain outwardly confident in the depth available to Slot until the next transfer window.
