Liverpool find themselves thin in several key positions just three weeks before the Premier League season kicks off, and the prospect of adding new signings this summer looks increasingly remote. The immediate focus for head coach Andoni Iraola is to secure a quality wide forward, with reports suggesting that Liverpool will soon reach out to Paris Saint-Germain to negotiate the acquisition of Bradley Barcola. While that potential deal dominates the headlines, the broader issue of squad depth – especially in defence – is causing unease among the fanbase as Iraola prepares for his inaugural campaign in charge. The injury to centre‑back Joé Gomez, which will keep him out of the opening match against Newcastle, has left Virgil van Dijk as the sole senior central defender fit for selection.
Liverpool have already invested £60m in 21‑year‑old Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes to partner Van Dijk, but the French defender has yet to feature in any pre‑season game due to a lingering shoulder problem that has sidelined him since February. Adding to the defensive conundrum is 19‑year‑old Giovanni Leoni, currently the fourth‑choice centre‑back, who is still recovering from an ACL rupture sustained on his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup last September. At this stage, neither Jacquet nor Leoni have a clear timetable for returning to full fitness.
Despite Gomez's setback, Liverpool's transfer strategy does not appear to be altered; the club views his absence as a short‑term issue and continues to prioritize the recruitment of a marquee wide attacker. The lack of depth is not limited to the heart of defence. At right‑back, Iraola inherits a precarious situation. While Conor Bradley is expected to return from a serious knee injury, the manager admitted last month that Bradley could be months away from match readiness.
In the meantime, Jeremie Frimpong has struggled to cement a place at Anfield when tasked with excessive defensive duties, and the club’s previous manager, Arne Slot, was forced to deploy Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai in that role during Bradley’s prolonged absence. Joé Gomez has also been used as an emergency right‑back, but doing so would further strain the centre‑back options. Given these circumstances, a right‑back signing does not feature among Liverpool’s immediate priorities; the focus remains on strengthening the wide areas. Mohamed Salah’s departure has left a glaring void, and while Victor Muñoz arrived from Celta Vigo, his youth (23) and limited experience mean he cannot shoulder the responsibility of replacing Salah on his own.
Jamie Carragher has raised doubts about whether Barcola, who is reportedly on Liverpool's radar, is the ideal replacement given his natural inclination to play on the left. Muñoz, like Barcola, is comfortable on either flank but has spent most of his career on the left side of the pitch. The current pool of wingers – Muñoz, Rio Ngumoha, Cody Gakpo and the possible addition of Barcola – predominantly favour one side, leaving Liverpool without a genuine right‑wing counterpart to Salah.
Federico Chiesa remains an intriguing option, though his future is still uncertain. Iraola has made it clear that every winger in his squad will be expected to operate on both flanks, a flexibility that was a key factor in Muñoz’s signing and one that Ngumoha has already demonstrated during pre‑season matches on the right.
Cody Gakpo’s situation adds another layer of complexity. Tottenham have shown interest in the Dutch forward, but Liverpool would only consider selling him if they felt adequately replaced, especially given his four‑year contract and the premium they could command. Gakpo brings valuable Premier League experience; losing him without a proven alternative would diminish Liverpool’s depth on the wings. Moreover, Gakpo can also provide cover as a striker – a role that becomes increasingly important as Hugo Ekitike continues his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury and doubts linger over Alexander Isak’s long‑term fitness.
In midfield, the emergence of Ryan Gravenberch as a number six under Arne Slot pushed the acquisition of a dedicated holding midfielder down the pecking order. However, the performances of the previous season have highlighted a need for reinforcement in that area. Inter Milan have expressed a desire to sign Curtis Jones, but Liverpool’s valuation of the player exceeds what Inter are prepared to pay, especially in a market where proven Premier League midfielders command hefty fees. Should Jones depart, academy graduate Trey Nyoni, who impressed with two Carabao Cup starts last season, could be thrust into a larger role.
If Nyoni continues to develop, he might help fill the gap left by any potential exit. Fan sentiment on social media reflects the anxiety surrounding the thin squad. Comments range from calls for immediate reinforcements at right‑back, centre‑half and wide positions to criticism of the board’s transfer policy. Some supporters suggest loan deals for players like Trent Alexander‑Arnold, while others advocate for the return of former striker Darwin Núñez as a cost‑effective solution to the attacking shortage.
In summary, Liverpool enter the new season with a roster that is arguably too fragile for the rigours of the Premier League. The club’s primary target remains a high‑profile wide forward, with Barcola at the forefront of negotiations. Yet, defensive depth – both centrally and at right‑back – remains a pressing concern, as does the need for a seasoned midfielder who can provide stability.
The next few weeks will be crucial for Iraola as he balances the urgency of immediate signings with the longer‑term vision for a balanced, competitive squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts.