Liverpool Centre Back Plans Take Shape After Ibrahima Konate Exit

Liverpool’s defensive rebuild remains one of the biggest talking points of the summer, even after the arrival of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in a deal worth around £60 million.

With Ibrahima Konate having joined Real Madrid on a free transfer, questions remain over whether Liverpool will add another experienced centre back before the transfer window closes.

That topic formed a key part of Lewis Steele’s conversation with Trev Downey on Anfield Index, where the Daily Mail journalist explained why he believes Liverpool still have work to do despite Jacquet’s arrival.

Jeremy Jacquet Cannot Carry Burden Alone

Liverpool clearly view Jacquet as a major investment for the future, but Steele believes expectations should remain realistic.

Looking ahead to the new season, he explained that the young defender would ideally be eased into Premier League football rather than immediately becoming a regular starter.

“Realistically with both of them they’d be better as the third and fourth choice options and then they can slowly build into the team.”

Steele warned that asking too much too soon could leave Liverpool vulnerable.

“If Jacquet has a mistake or two in him in the first weeks, which would probably be expected for a player finding his feet in the Premier League, there’s no one really to turn to.”

Those comments underline why Liverpool’s recruitment may not yet be complete, despite already spending heavily on the French defender.

Konate Departure Leaves Experience Gap

The departure of Konate has changed the complexion of Liverpool’s defensive options.

Steele did not hide his feelings about losing the France international.

“I think losing Konate was a loss.”

He then delivered his clearest assessment of Liverpool’s priorities.

“I think they need to sign a defender.”

While Virgil van Dijk remains Liverpool’s leader at the back, Steele highlighted the lack of proven Premier League experience elsewhere in the squad.

“You’ve got Virgil who’s turning 35 next week.”

He also pointed to Joe Gomez’s injury record before explaining that Jacquet and Leon are both highly rated youngsters with “zero minutes of Premier League experience between them.”

That combination leaves Liverpool with potential, but also considerable uncertainty heading into a new era under Andoni Iraola.

Transfer Links Remain Limited

Trev Downey also asked Steele about links with Maxence Lacroix following news involving the defender’s agency.

Steele confirmed Liverpool had previously looked at the player.

“I think they definitely had a look at him in the past.”

However, he suggested that move now appears unlikely.

“It does seem for all intents and purposes that he’s going to Chelsea this summer.”

Steele admitted he has watched several defensive transfers unfold during the window while wondering whether Liverpool might have acted.

“I’ve sort of wondered should Liverpool have gone in for them.”

Instead, he believes Liverpool may already have another target lined up away from public view.

“They’ve got someone lined up that we haven’t heard of yet.”

That possibility would fit Liverpool’s recent recruitment strategy, where negotiations often remain quiet until deals accelerate.

Liverpool Still Searching for Defensive Balance

Steele’s overall conclusion was balanced but clear.

Liverpool have strengthened by signing Jeremy Jacquet, yet replacing Konate is about more than simply adding another name to the squad. Experience, reliability and readiness to perform immediately all matter.

As Steele summed up the current situation:

“I don’t think they can go into the season with the centre back options they have.”

For Liverpool supporters, that will be the key takeaway from his conversation with Trev Downey. Jacquet may become an outstanding signing over time, but the loss of Konate has created a gap that, in Steele’s view, still needs addressing before the transfer window closes.