Liverpool find themselves thin in several positions just three weeks before the Premier League season kicks off, and the window for additional summer signings appears to be closing fast. The club's most pressing need is a wide attacker, and reports suggest that manager Andoni Iraola will soon reach out to Paris Saint-Germain to secure the services of Bradley Barcola.
While the pursuit of a marquee winger dominates headlines, concerns are mounting among supporters about the overall depth of the squad, especially in defense, as Iraola embarks on his inaugural campaign at Anfield. A recent injury to centre‑back Joé Gomez, which rules 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 splashed out £60 million on Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes to partner Van Dijk, but the 21‑year‑old has yet to log a minute in pre‑season due to a lingering shoulder problem that has kept him sidelined since February. Meanwhile, the club's fourth‑choice centre‑back, 19‑year‑old Giovanni Leoni, is still recovering from an ACL rupture sustained on his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup last September.
The timeline for Jacquet or Leoni to regain full fitness remains uncertain. Despite these defensive setbacks, the injury to Gomez is regarded as a short‑term issue and is not expected to alter Liverpool's transfer strategy, which remains focused on acquiring a high‑profile wide forward. The club’s recent recruitment of Victor Muñoz from Celta Vigo adds a youthful option on the flanks, but at 23 he lacks the experience and star power to replace Mohamed Salah on his own. Iraola has been rotating academy prospects such as Luke Chambers, Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mortalla Ndiaye throughout the pre‑season, prompting speculation about whether one of them could line up alongside Van Dijk in the first league game.
Another possibility is Ryan Gravenberch, who has filled in at centre‑back on occasion. Complicating matters further, Van Dijk missed the pre‑season tour of the United States after the World Cup, limiting the amount of time his eventual partner will have to develop an understanding with the Dutch stalwart before the season begins. The right‑back position also presents a challenge. While Conor Bradley is expected to return from a serious knee injury, Iraola warned last month that his recovery could take several months.
Jeremie Frimpong, who has struggled to adapt to Anfield’s defensive demands, remains an option, but his performances have been mixed. Previously, Arne Slot resorted to using Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai as makeshift right‑backs when Bradley was unavailable, and Gomez has occasionally filled the role when fit, though this would stretch the centre‑back options even further.
At present, signing a dedicated right‑back does not rank high on Liverpool’s agenda; the priority remains securing a wide forward to fill the void left by Salah. The club now has a pool of wingers—Muñoz, Rio Ngumoha, Cody Gakpo and the potential Barcola signing—most of whom are more comfortable on one side of the pitch. Muñoz and Barcola can operate on both flanks, but Muñoz has predominantly played on the left throughout his career, while Barcola is naturally a left‑winger.
This leaves Liverpool without a clear, natural right‑wing successor to Salah. Fans and pundits have voiced mixed opinions about Barcola’s suitability.
Jamie Carragher, for example, questioned whether a player who prefers the left side can truly replace Salah’s impact. Federico Chiesa has also been mentioned as a possible addition, although his future remains uncertain. Regardless of who ultimately joins, Iraola is expected to demand versatility from his wingers, requiring them to operate on either flank. This tactical flexibility was a key factor in Muñoz’s acquisition, and Ngumoha has already featured on the right during pre‑season friendlies.
Tottenham have shown interest in Gakpo, but Liverpool would only consider a sale if they feel adequately compensated and if a suitable replacement is secured. Gakpo’s experience in the Premier League is invaluable; losing him without a proven alternative would diminish the squad’s depth in wide areas.
Moreover, Gakpo can also provide cover as a striker, a role that may become crucial if Hugo Ekitike’s recovery from an Achilles injury stalls or if Alexander Isak continues to struggle with fitness. In midfield, the emergence of Gravenberch as a deep‑lying playmaker under Slot pushed the acquisition of a dedicated holding midfielder down the priority list. However, the previous season’s performances highlighted a need for reinforcement in that sector. Inter Milan have expressed interest in Curtis Jones, but their valuation does not meet Liverpool’s expectations, especially given the current 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 given a larger role. The overall sentiment among supporters is that Liverpool’s roster is "bare‑bones" and urgently requires reinforcements across the board—specifically a right‑back, additional centre‑backs, a number six, and at least two quality wingers.
Various fan comments echo this worry, calling for patience but warning that a thin squad cannot coexist with lofty ambitions. Some fans even suggest exploring loan options for defenders like Trent Alexander‑Arnold, while others advocate for the return of former striker Darwin Núñez as a cost‑effective solution.
In summary, Iraola inherits a squad with limited depth in key areas. While the pursuit of a high‑profile winger remains the headline, Liverpool must also address defensive frailties, bolster the midfield, and ensure that emerging talents are ready to step up.
Failure to do so could leave the team vulnerable in the early stages of the campaign and jeopardise their aspirations for the season ahead.