“Liverpool management’s internal assessment of squad depth following the close of the January transfer window”
Liverpool’s management are reportedly content with the defensive squad depth available to Arne Slot for the remainder of the season.
The Reds wrapped up the January window by confirming the signing of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, though he will not join Anfield until the summer and will remain with his current club for the rest of the campaign. No immediate first-team signings were made in January, despite Liverpool being hit by a string of injuries at the back, including season-ending setbacks for Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni.
Jeremie Frimpong is also sidelined, but Joe Gomez is expected to return soon, and Ibrahima Konate made an emotional comeback against Newcastle following his father’s recent passing. In a detailed piece for The Athletic, Andy Jones explained that Liverpool’s hierarchy feel the current squad has enough defensive cover for the remainder of the season and that Jacquet will be worth the wait in the summer.
Jones wrote: “With Konate back from compassionate leave, Gomez likely available for Sunday’s visit from Manchester City after a hip injury, and Frimpong’s groin issue not serious, Liverpool are confident they can manage through to May. Trying to bring Jacquet in immediately was never feasible, given Rennes’ push for European qualification, but he will prove worth the wait.”
Even with Gomez and Frimpong’s expected returns – Frimpong projected to be back by the end of this month – Liverpool’s defensive options remain fragile. In last week’s win over Qarabag, half of the defence were midfielders by trade, with Ryan Gravenberch partnering Virgil van Dijk centrally and Wataru Endo filling in at right-back. Against Newcastle, Dominik Szoboszlai took up that role and may be required again in the next three games before Frimpong’s recovery.
Jacquet’s summer arrival is a major coup, but there are concerns he may miss out on Champions League football in his first season at Liverpool. For now, despite management’s apparent satisfaction with squad numbers, the Reds will be navigating a precarious defensive situation until the summer transfer window.