Four Centre-Backs Liverpool Should Seriously Consider This Summer
Liverpool have taken swift action in strengthening wide areas of the pitch ahead of the 2025/26 season. But as highlighted brilliantly by William Comish for Anfield Watch, there’s one glaring gap yet to be addressed — centre-back. Given how crucial this role is in any title push, the club’s silence on this front is a concern.
With Virgil van Dijk’s contract extended until 2027, there’s at least a measure of stability in leadership. But questions loom large around Ibrahima Konaté’s future, and with Jarrell Quansah attracting outside interest, Liverpool simply can’t afford to gamble on good luck with injuries again. Squad depth in central defence is non-negotiable.
Let’s dig into the four options that Comish suggests — and why each name carries weight.
Alessandro Bastoni – Continental Class and Composure
Bastoni, a seasoned Serie A operator with Inter Milan, oozes pedigree. At 26, he’s lifted a European Championship and two Scudetti. While he’s missed out on Champions League glory twice, he’s still one of the most composed defenders in Europe.
Marc Guehi – Premier League Proven
Guehi’s rise with Crystal Palace has been meteoric, and with an FA Cup winner’s medal now in hand, his stock has never been higher. At 24, his age profile is ideal and his Premier League experience is invaluable.
The Englishman is adaptable on either side of a centre-back pairing and boasts strengths in take-ons, blocks, and passing under pressure. If Palace can’t agree a contract extension, Liverpool must act decisively.
Jarrad Branthwaite – Crossing the Divide?
An Everton-to-Liverpool transfer is rare, but Branthwaite could be an exception. At 22, he’s already showing maturity well beyond his years, consistently impressing in a struggling side.
His weekly wage of £35,000 makes him a financial bargain, and with Chelsea already circling, the Reds would need to move fast. His physicality and defensive nous are assets that would thrive under Arne Slot.
Jorrel Hato – Dutch Versatility Personified
Hato, just 19, is versatile, two-footed, and tactically intelligent. Initially viewed as a left-back option, his primary role is centre-back, and his flexibility mirrors Liverpool’s broader strategy.
His relationship with Ryan Gravenberch, and reported visit to Anfield, suggests an openness to the move. Hato’s comfort on the ball and positional awareness make him a compelling long-term project.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
From a fan’s perspective, it’s baffling that no central defender has yet been really linked yet. While Kerkez and Frimpong will add dynamism out wide, the core of our defence — the literal backbone — feels light.
Of the four, Guehi looks the safest bet in terms of availability, adaptability, and Premier League readiness. Bastoni is the dream signing, no doubt — but Inter’s grip and his long contract complicate things. Branthwaite is the wildcard. The red-blue Merseyside rivalry might deter him, but if he truly wants elite football, he won’t get it at Goodison anytime soon. Hato, meanwhile, screams future captain material if he can develop like Quansah has. Three of the players are left footed and with Van Dijk operating from the left side, it would perhaps be the smarter move to buy young and develop, or perhaps go for Guehi due to his versatility.
The club needs to learn from the 2020/21 season — we were ravaged by injuries at the back and it nearly derailed everything. Depth isn’t a luxury anymore, it’s a strategic necessity.
