James Pearce reports that the Reds are not prioritising a big-money defensive addition, with Jérémy Jacquet already making a strong impression at Anfield.
Liverpool are unlikely to make a major investment in a new centre-back during the January transfer window or next summer, according to The Athletic journalist James Pearce. The club are increasingly confident in their existing defensive options, particularly following Jérémy Jacquet's impressive impact since arriving from Rennes.
Pearce shared his assessment on Friday, explaining that strengthening the heart of the defence is not currently a priority for Liverpool. He also highlighted the club's expectations for several young defenders, suggesting that the Reds would rather continue developing their current squad than commit significant funds to another high-profile signing.
Jérémy Jacquet leads Liverpool's defensive plans
Liverpool completed a deal worth £60 million for Jacquet in February 2026, with £55 million paid upfront and a further £5 million potentially due in add-ons. The French defender officially joined the squad in July and has quickly established himself as an important part of the club's defensive plans.
Pearce also pointed to Giovanni Leoni, Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye as players who have a promising future at Anfield. Leoni, who arrived from Parma in 2025, is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, while Ndukwe has gained experience on loan at Levante. Ndiaye, meanwhile, continues his development within Liverpool's youth setup.
Liverpool's defensive situation could influence future transfers
The club's current options also include captain Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Ronald Araújo, who joined Barcelona on a season-long loan in August 2026. However, several contractual and squad decisions could still influence Liverpool's plans, particularly with Van Dijk's current deal approaching its end in 2027.
According to Pearce's assessment, a major centre-back signing is therefore unlikely in either of the next two transfer windows. Much will depend on how the existing defenders perform and whether Liverpool can secure the futures of key players. For now, the club appear comfortable placing their faith in the options already available rather than entering the market for another expensive defender.
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| Liverpool unlikely to make major centre-back signing as confidence grows in young defenders |