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Every centre-back linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, including Everton star, Arne Slot favourite
By Harry Watkinson,
19 days ago
Liverpool have some exciting centre-back targets
Liverpool have made signing a top-quality centre-back a priority for the upcoming transfer window and we’ve listed all the players they have their eye on.
They are looking to bring in a long-term successor for Joel Matip, who officially left the club when his Reds contract expired on June 30th.
21-year-old Jarrell Quansah has shown he has what it takes to play in the Premier League but Liverpool are still keen to bring in more competition for him.
The Reds have plenty of exciting defensive targets on their shortlist and we’ve listed every single one they’ve been linked with in this feature.
PREMIER LEAGUE
Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite was arguably Everton’s star player last season and reports have suggested Liverpool are considering a move for the talented 21-year-old.
Just one player has joined the Reds from the Blue half of Merseyside since the turn of the century, with midfielder Abel Xavier being the last to do it back in 2002.
Branthwaite has nailed down a spot in Everton’s starting XI and has played a huge role in their Premier League survival. The youngster is a key reason why the Toffees have the fourth-best defensive record in the entire division.
Branthwaite has also scored two goals, with his latest being a fine strike in a 1-1 draw with Brighton at the Amex.
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is one of the most in demand players in the Premier League at the moment, and for good reason.
The 23-year-old joined the Eagles from Chelsea in 2021 and has become one of their most important players, making over 100 appearances to date.
Guehi’s fine form has earned him a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad and he’s been excellent in Euro 2024 so far, which has only increased the level of interest in his signature.
Murillo was one of the shining lights in an extremely difficult season for Nottingham Forest that saw them go dangerously close to the relegation.
The 21-year-old signed for Forest from Corinthians for a reported £15m fee and has established himself as one of the best young defenders in the Premier League.
He’s made 36 appearances so far for the Tricky Trees, helping Nuno Espirito Santo’s side to four clean sheets in the process.
Murillo is only expected to improve as he gains experience and Forest are aware of the interest in his signature and will demand around £50 million for him, per reports.
Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been linked with the Brazilian defender.
BUNDESLIGA
Piero Hincapie
One of the stars of Xabi Alonso’s high-flying Bayer Leverkusen side, Liverpool reportedly sent scouts to run the rule over Hincapie on multiple occassions this term.
The 22-year-old shone as a left-sided centre-back in Leverkusen’s back three last term and was a key figure in the 3-0 demolition of Bayern Munich – a win that effectively clinched the Bundesliga title – contributing four tackles, two interceptions and five clearances to shut out Harry Kane and co.
While there might be a slight adaptation required of Hincapie should Liverpool’s Arne Slot decide to stick with the four-at-the-back system, his ability to play at centre-back or left-back would make him a particularly useful addition, providing an upgrade at the heart of defence and cover for Andy Robertson.
Hincapie’s quality, versatility and future potential are reflected in his price tag, however, with Leverkusen believed to value the defender at around £50 million.
It has been suggested that the Reds could seal a deal for roughly €45m (£38.2m) and he’s been ‘moved to the top’ of Arne Slot’s summer shortlist.
Kossonou played a key role in Leverkusen’s historic 2023/24 campaign and made 34 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and helping his team to 14 clean sheets in the process.
The Reds’ interest in Kossonou is described as ‘strong’ so he’s certainly a player for fans to keep a close eye on over the coming weeks.
Maxence Lacroix
Maxence Lacroix is one of the lesser-known names on this list, but certainly has the quality and potential to play at the very highest level one day.
The 23-year-old Wolfsburg centre-back has demonstrated his quality in the Bundesliga over the past few years and is ready for the next challenge in his career.
Lacroix would be significantly cheaper than many of the names on this list, too, with a reported price tag of €30m (approx. £25m).
The defender made 31 appearances this term, scoring four goals and helping his team to five clean sheets, and Liverpool’s scouts have been watching him closely.
Willian Pacho
Willian Pacho has established himself as one of Eintracht Frankfurt’s most important players this season and his solid performances have caught the attention of multiple top sides.
Liverpool are reportedly among those chasing Pacho’s signature and plan to keep a close eye on him throughout the summer window.
At the age of 22, Pacho is only expected to improve as he gains experience so could prove to be an excellent long-term addition for the Reds.
Jonathan Tah
Tottenham have been heavily linked with Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah but reports suggest that Liverpool are also keeping a close eye on him.
Tah, 28, has played a key role in Leverkusen’s success. The Germany international is considered to be one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga and undoubtedly has the quality to shine in the Premier League.
He’s also been a mainstay in Germany’s Euro 2024 team and a move could happen for him once the tournament ends.
LALIGA
Andreas Christensen
Former Chelsea defender Christensen has emerged as a surprise summer target for Liverpool in their hunt for defensive reinforcements, with reports in Spain claiming the Reds would be willing to pay £43 million for the former Chelsea man.
Christensen signed for Barcelona on a free transfer two years ago after his Stamford Bridge contract expired. And the Dane has impressed in his two campaigns with the Catalan giants, exuding a calmness on and off the ball and even slotting into a defensive midfield role at times this season.
At 27, he represents an experienced option among the reported Liverpool targets while also having years of his prime ahead of him. He would require no adaptation to the Premier League, too, owing to his decade with Chelsea.
And with Barcelona reportedly needing to sell players to fund their summer spending, he could be available. A shock candidate but, all things considered, one that makes sense.
LIGUE 1
Arthur Theate
Stade Rennais star Arthur Theate is an impressive young centre-back from Ligue 1 who would reportedly be open to joining a Premier League club this summer.
The 23-year-old signed for Rennes in 2022 and has made 82 appearances to date for the French side, scoring eight goals in the process.
Liverpool were linked with a move for Theate last summer and it’s thought that he still has admirers within the Reds’ hierarchy. His impressive performances for Belgium at Euro 2024 have caught the eye, too.
Like Lacroix, he would be significantly cheaper than others on this list, with an estimated valuation of £30m.
Jean-Clair Todibo
Now that Manchester United’s move for Jean-Clair Todibo has collapsed, Liverpool could have a free run at signing the Nice centre-back this summer.
It’s easy to see why Todibo is in such high demand Ever since breaking through at Toulouse as a teenager, the France international has possessed the technical and physical gifts to excel in his position.
An early move to Barcelona came too soon and stunted his progression somewhat, but now, at 24, he has established himself as one of the best and most complete defenders in Ligue 1.
Excellent on the ball, athletic and versatile – able to also play at right-back or in midfield – Todibo ticks all the boxes. Previously valued at around £35 million, more recent reports claim Nice could demand as much as £50 million for their star centre-half.
Leny Yoro
One of Liverpool’s younger targets but arguably one of the most exciting on this list, Lille centre-back Leny Yoro is considered to be one of the best prospects in Europe and is also being chased by Man Utd, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
The 18-year-old broke into the Lille team in 2022 and has gradually established himself as one of their most important players.
Lille value Yoro extremely highly, however, so Liverpool will have to cough up a huge transfer fee if they want to beat the competition to his signature this summer.
Reports also suggest that the teenager would prefer a switch to Real Madrid than to the Premier League.
SERIE A
Dean Huijsen
Dean Huijsen, 19, has been on loan with Roma from Juventus and has built a reputation as one of the best young centre-backs in the Serie A.
Huijsen featured 14 times for Roma. He is a Juve academy graduate, but has only played one league game for the club.
Despite being born in Amsterdam and playing for the Dutch youth teams in his younger days, Huijsen made two appearances for the Spain under-21 squad.
Newcastle are interested in the teenager but Liverpool also have him on their shortlist, while Paris-Saint Germain are also keen.
A bid of €30m (£25.6m) would be enough to lure him away from Turin, according to reports in Italy.
PRIMEIRA LIGA
Goncalo Inacio
First linked with Liverpool last year, Inacio cemented his status as one of Europe’s most promising defenders last season with his formidable performances for Sporting CP.
The 22-year-old centre-back was reportedly the subject of a £26 million bid from the Reds in January, but to acquire his services this summer Liverpool would likely have to double that offer, with the Portugal international’s contract containing a £52 million release clause.
Despite his tender years, Inacio has already racked up over 100 league appearances for Sporting. A commanding physical presence while also confident stepping out with the ball at his feet and launching attacks from deep, he has all the tools required of a modern centre-back.
Inacio has also added goals to his game recently, with six this season between his club and international commitments.
Antonio Silva
Antonio Silva has a mammoth €100 million (approx. £85.5m) release clause in his contract with Benfica, and for good reason.
The 20-year-old centre-back already has over 90 senior appearances for Benfica under his belt and as well as being strong defensively, he has a real knack for scoring goals, finding the net seven times so far.
Silva is a full Portugal international, already has the quality to slot straight into the Liverpool starting XI and could form a solid partnership with Virgil van Dijk.
Scouts from both Liverpool and Man Utd have been keeping a close eye on Silva, so it’s possible that they could both make bids for him this summer.
EREDIVISIE
David Hancko
Arne Slot has been tipped by multiple outlets to bring Feyenoord star David Hancko to Anfield with him.
The 26-year-old is undoubtedly one of the best centre-backs in Eredivisie. He made 48 appearances for Feyenoord this term, helping Slot’s team to 21 clean sheets and scoring seven goals in the process.
Hancko has previously admitted that joining Liverpool would be a ‘dream come true,’ so it will be interesting to see if the Reds launch a concrete offer for him.
Jorrel Hato
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato for months but reports suggest that Liverpool could compete with them for his signature.
The 18-year-old made his debut for the Dutch giants last season but quickly established himself as a first-team regular.
Fabrizio Romano previously claimed Arsenal are ‘pushing’ to get a deal done but Liverpool are also admirers of his and may yet join the race for his signature.
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