Liverpool find themselves facing a noticeable shortage of options across several positions just three weeks before the Premier League season kicks off, and there appears to be little sign of additional signings arriving before the window shuts. The immediate priority for the club is to secure a high‑profile wide attacker, with reports suggesting that manager Andoni Iraola will soon make a formal approach to Paris Saint‑Germain for the talented Bradley Barcola. Beyond the hunt for a marquee winger, concerns are mounting among the fanbase about the overall depth of the squad, especially in defence, as Iraola embarks on his first campaign in charge. An injury to centre‑back Joe Gomez, which rules him out of the opening match against Newcastle United, has left Virgil van Dijk as the sole senior central defender fit for selection at the moment.
The club have already invested £60 million in 21‑year‑old Jeremy Jacquet, signed from Rennes to partner Van Dijk, but the French defender has yet to log a single minute of pre‑season football. Liverpool are handling Jacquet cautiously because a lingering shoulder problem has kept him sidelined since February, and the coaching staff do not want to rush his return. Adding to the defensive dilemma, 19‑year‑old academy graduate Giovanni Leoni remains in rehabilitation after suffering a torn ACL on his debut for the Reds in the Carabao Cup tie against Southampton last September.
At present, no clear timetable has been given for when either Jacquet or Leoni will be cleared to train full‑time, let alone feature in a competitive match. Despite these setbacks, Liverpool’s transfer strategy does not appear to be dramatically altered by Gomez’s injury. The club view his absence as a short‑term issue and are keeping their focus on acquiring a top‑class wide forward to fill the void left by Mohamed Salah’s departure. In the meantime, Iraola has been giving game time to several young prospects during pre‑season, including Luke Chambers, Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mortalla Ndiaye.
One of these youngsters could conceivably be thrust alongside Van Dijk in the centre of defence for the season‑opening fixture, especially if the manager decides to rely on the versatile Ryan Gravenberch, who has already filled in at the back on a few occasions. Complicating matters further, Van Dijk did not travel to the United States for Liverpool’s pre‑season tour after the World Cup break, meaning the defensive partnership that will line up on opening day will have limited time to develop chemistry. This lack of continuity is a risk that Iraola will have to manage carefully. The right‑back position presents another immediate challenge.
While the return of Conor Bradley from a serious knee injury is expected, the player himself has hinted that he may be months away from full fitness. In the short term, Liverpool could look to Jeremie Frimpong, but his performances this summer have been hampered by excessive defensive duties, and he has not yet convinced the coaching staff that he can be a reliable starter. Iraola’s predecessor, Arne Slot, was forced to use Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai as makeshift right‑backs last season when Bradley was unavailable.
Gomez has also been deployed in that role when fit, but using him there would further limit the options available at centre‑back. At present, signing a specialist right‑back does not sit at the top of Liverpool’s transfer agenda; the club may revisit the position later in the window, but the current emphasis remains on securing a wide forward. The departure of Salah has left a clear need for a high‑profile attacker on the flanks.
While 23‑year‑old Victor Muñoz arrived from Celta Vigo, his experience and stature are not yet on par with the demands of replacing a player of Salah’s calibre. Jamie Carragher has publicly questioned whether Barcola, the player Liverpool are poised to chase, is the right fit given his natural inclination to operate on the left side of the pitch. Both Muñoz and Barcola are capable of playing on either wing, but their career histories show a preference for the left.
This leaves Liverpool with a collection of wingers—Muñoz, Rio Ngomoha, Cody Gakpo and the potential Barcola—who each favour a single side, and no clear-cut successor to Salah on the right. Federico Chiesa has been mentioned as a possible alternative, yet his future remains uncertain. Iraola has made it clear that all wingers in his squad will be expected to operate on both flanks, a flexibility that was a key factor in Muñoz’s signing earlier this summer. Ngomoha has already been used on the right during pre‑season matches, demonstrating the kind of adaptability the manager desires.
Tottenham have shown interest in Gakpo, but Liverpool would only consider selling him if they feel they have adequately replaced his contribution. Gakpo’s experience in the Premier League is valuable; losing him without a proven replacement would diminish Liverpool’s depth in wide areas. Moreover, Gakpo can also provide cover as a striker, a role that may become increasingly important as Hugo Ekitike continues his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury and questions linger over Alexander Isak’s ability to stay fit.
In midfield, the emergence of Ryan Gravenberch as a deep‑lying playmaker during Slot’s tenure pushed the acquisition of a dedicated holding midfielder down the priority list. However, the performances of the previous season have highlighted a need for reinforcement in that area, particularly if the team continues to rely on Curtis Jones or Dominik Szoboszlai to fill in at right‑back when Bradley is unavailable. Inter Milan have expressed a desire to sign Curtis Jones, but Liverpool’s valuation of the midfielder is higher than what the Italian club is prepared to meet, especially in a market where other proven Premier League midfielders have commanded substantial fees.
Should Jones depart, academy graduate Trey Nyoni, who impressed with two Carabao Cup starts last season, could be given a larger role under Iraola. Fans on social media echo the sentiment that the squad is "bare‑bones" and in need of immediate reinforcements. Comments range from calls for a right‑back, centre‑half, a number‑6, and two quality wingers, to suggestions that Liverpool should consider loan deals for players such as Trent Alexander‑Arnold to plug defensive gaps.
Others argue that bringing back former striker Darwin Núñez could provide a cost‑effective solution on the left wing and in attack, freeing up resources to address defensive deficiencies. In summary, Liverpool’s current situation is characterised by a thin squad depth, especially in defence and wide positions. While the pursuit of a marquee winger like Barcola remains the headline target, the club must also address the shortage of senior centre‑backs, the lack of a reliable right‑back, and the need for a seasoned holding midfielder. The coming weeks will be crucial for Iraola as he attempts to shape a balanced roster capable of competing on multiple fronts in his inaugural season at Anfield.