Liverpool find themselves facing a noticeable shortage of quality options across several positions just three weeks before the Premier League season kicks off, and there appears to be little likelihood of any further summer signings arriving in time. The most pressing need at the moment is to secure a high‑profile wide attacker, and the Reds are reportedly preparing to open formal talks with Paris Saint‑Germain about the possible acquisition of Bradley Barcola. While the hunt for a marquee winger dominates headlines, concerns are mounting among the fanbase about the overall depth of the squad, especially in defence, as new head coach Andoni Iraola steps into his inaugural season. An early setback has come in the form of an injury to Joé Gomez, who will miss Liverpool's opening league fixture against Newcastle United.
Gomez's absence leaves Virgil van Dijk as the sole senior centre‑back currently fit for selection. The club have already secured the services of 21‑year‑old Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes for a reported £60 million, intending him to partner Van Dijk, but Jacquet has yet to feature in any pre‑season match.
His progress has been hampered by a lingering shoulder problem that has kept him sidelined since February, meaning the manager cannot rely on him for the first few games. Adding to the defensive conundrum is the situation of 19‑year‑old Giovanni Leoni, who is the fourth‑choice centre‑back. Leoni is still undergoing rehabilitation after suffering an ACL rupture on his Liverpool debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup last September. At this stage, it is unclear when either Jacquet or Leoni will be declared fit enough to compete at the highest level.
Despite these setbacks, Liverpool’s transfer strategy does not appear to be dramatically altered by Gomez’s injury. The club view his lay‑off as a short‑term issue and are keeping their focus on bringing in a top‑class wide forward to fill the void left by Mohamed Salah’s departure. The lack of depth in the full‑back positions is also evident.
Right‑back Conor Bradley is still recovering from a serious knee injury and, according to Iraola, could be months away from returning to full fitness. In the interim, the options are limited.
Jeremie Frimpong has struggled to impress when tasked with heavy defensive duties, while last season under Arne Slot saw Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai deployed as makeshift right‑backs when Bradley was unavailable. Joé Gomez has occasionally filled the role, but using him there would further strain an already thin centre‑back pool. At present, signing a dedicated right‑back does not rank among Liverpool’s top priorities for this window. The board appears prepared to revisit the position later in the transfer period, but the immediate emphasis remains on securing a wide attacker who can operate on both flanks.
The departure of Salah has left a glaring gap on the right side of the attack, and while Victor Muñoz arrived from Celta Vigo earlier in the summer, his 23‑year‑old profile lacks the experience and star power required to single‑handedly replace the Egyptian legend. The debate over Barcola’s suitability has intensified.
Jamie Carragher has voiced doubts about whether the left‑footed Frenchman, who prefers to play on the left, can truly replicate Salah’s impact on the right. Muñoz, like Barcola, is capable of operating on either wing but has spent the majority of his career on the left.
Consequently, Liverpool’s current winger pool – comprising Muñoz, Rio Ngomoha, Cody Gakpo and the potential Barcola signing – is heavily weighted toward left‑side specialists, leaving the right flank without a natural successor. Federico Chiesa has been mentioned as an alternative, yet his future remains uncertain.
Iraola has made it clear that, under his system, every winger will be expected to perform on both sides of the pitch. This flexibility was a key factor in Muñoz’s recruitment, and Ngomoha has already been deployed on the right during pre‑season friendlies. However, losing Gakpo would be a significant blow; the Dutch international not only brings Premier League experience but also offers valuable cover as a striker – a role that may become crucial if Hugo Ekitike’s recovery from an Achilles injury stalls or if Alexander Isak struggles with fitness. Midfield depth is another area of concern.
Ryan Gravenberch’s emergence as a deep‑lying playmaker last season pushed the acquisition of a traditional holding midfielder down the pecking order, yet recent performances suggest that Liverpool still lack a reliable number six. Inter Milan have expressed interest in Curtis Jones, but their valuation does not meet Liverpool’s expectations, 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.
The defensive line‑up also needs reinforcement. With Van Dijk the only fit senior centre‑back, and both Jacquet and Leoni still on the injury list, the club may be forced to experiment with younger options such as Luke Chambers, Ifeanyi Ndukwe or Mor Talla Ndiaye, all of whom have featured in pre‑season. Ryan Gravenberch has occasionally filled in at centre‑back, but his primary position remains midfield, making him a stop‑gap rather than a long‑term solution. Fan sentiment reflects the anxiety surrounding the thin roster.
Comments on social media highlight a consensus that Liverpool must act urgently to bring in a right‑back, a central defender, a solid number six and at least two quality wingers. Some supporters argue that a loan signing like Trent Alexander‑Arnold could provide an immediate boost at right‑back, while others suggest revisiting the market for a versatile defender who can also cover the full‑back positions.
In summary, Andoni Iraola inherits a squad that is stretched thin across the spine of the team. The immediate priority is to secure a dynamic wide forward—most likely Barcola—to restore balance to the attacking third.
Simultaneously, the club must address the lack of depth at right‑back, centre‑back and defensive midfield, either through smart loan deals, promoting promising academy talent, or making strategic purchases before the transfer window closes. Without these reinforcements, Liverpool risk entering the new season with a fragile foundation that could hinder their ambitions both domestically and in Europe.