Liverpool Exploring Defensive Reinforcements Amid Ongoing Struggles

Liverpool’s defensive form has dipped this season, sitting 13th in the table with a -2 goal difference after three successive defeats by three goals. With Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate below their usual standards, Brad Friedel and Jamie Carragher urge January action. Alessandro Bastoni and long-time target Marc Guehi, now available for free next summer, have emerged as key solutions.

For the struggling Liverpool side under Arne Slot, defensive problems have become the central talking point of their season. The team sits 13th in the Premier League table with a -2 goal difference and has suffered three consecutive defeats by three goals, a dramatic fall from their combined +90 goal difference across the previous two campaigns. Even captain Virgil van Dijk has found it difficult to maintain consistency, which has raised concerns about the overall structure at the back.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Friedel believes the club must act quickly in the January window and has highlighted Alessandro Bastoni as an ideal addition. Liverpool are reportedly preparing an £88m bid for the Inter Milan defender, although a summer transfer appears more realistic. Friedel also urged the Reds to revive their pursuit of Marc Guehi, who agreed a £35m move in the summer before Crystal Palace cancelled the deal due to not securing a replacement.

With Guehi’s contract expiring at the end of the season, Liverpool could potentially sign him for free. Slot acknowledged his defensive shortage, admitting he does not have enough centre-backs to switch systems. With limited training time and a packed schedule, meaningful tactical changes remain difficult, making reinforcements essential.