Liverpool Centre-Back Search Intensifies After Leoni Injury

Liverpool centre-back plans are evolving rapidly after the devastating injury suffered by Giovanni Leoni. The Reds, already short on defensive depth, are now being forced to act decisively in the January transfer window to reinforce their backline and maintain their Premier League title ambitions.

Liverpool Centre-Back Crisis Deepens

The injury to Giovanni Leoni, Liverpool’s summer signing from Parma, has left the club with limited options at centre-back just months into the 2025/26 campaign. Leoni, signed for around £30 million as a long-term project, tore his anterior cruciate ligament in a Carabao Cup clash against Southampton. The teenager’s season-ending setback worsens the defensive shortage for Arne Slot’s squad, especially with Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation still unresolved and rumors swirling about interest from Real Madrid. Leoni, who was expected to gradually integrate into the side, now faces a long road to recovery, and Liverpool have been left scrambling to fill the gap.

Schlotterbeck Links Fade as Liverpool Assess Options

Initial reports linked Liverpool with a move for Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck. The 25-year-old German international, with 22 national caps, has been outstanding in the Bundesliga and attracted Premier League and La Liga interest. However, Liverpool appear to have cooled their pursuit, possibly due to Dortmund’s reluctance to sell and Schlotterbeck’s own comments about his future. Speaking in October, Schlotterbeck expressed his commitment to Dortmund for now, saying, “BVB will be my first point of contact.”

Sporting’s Ousmane Diomande Emerges as an Alternative

With the Schlotterbeck deal not progressing, Liverpool have shifted their focus to Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande. The 21-year-old Ivory Coast international was also targeted by Crystal Palace earlier this year as a potential replacement for Marc Guehi. Though Palace entered advanced negotiations valued between £40-50 million, they ultimately retained Guehi, leaving Diomande available. Liverpool’s interest is described as less aggressive, indicating that while Diomande is on their radar, he may not be the top priority. However, with the defensive crisis deepening, the club could intensify their pursuit as January approaches.

Liverpool’s Centre-Back Dilemma: Squad Depth Tested

Captain Virgil van Dijk’s contract extension brought relief to fans, but Liverpool’s defensive situation remains precarious. Konate’s future is up in the air, and with Joe Gomez as the primary backup, the squad is stretched thin. Defensive reinforcements were a notable omission in the summer transfer window, despite big-money arrivals in other areas such as Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. Injuries to key players, including goalkeeper Alisson, have only compounded the issue and exposed the lack of depth at the back.

Upcoming Fixtures and Title Implications

The margin for error is slim as Liverpool trail league leaders Arsenal by seven points after only ten games. Next up is a daunting trip to the Etihad to face a resurgent Manchester City. Should results go against Liverpool and Arsenal extend their lead, the reigning champions could fall out of the title race earlier than expected. Defensive solidity will be paramount if the Reds are to defend their crown, placing extra urgency on securing a new centre-back in January.

What Next for Liverpool’s Centre-Back Search?

With the winter transfer window approaching, Liverpool’s recruitment team is under pressure to deliver a quality centre-back. Both short- and long-term solutions are being evaluated, with Sporting’s Diomande and Dortmund’s Schlotterbeck central to discussions. The club’s cautious approach suggests they seek not just a quick fix, but a player who can grow into a starting role alongside Van Dijk or Konate—provided both stay fit and at the club.

Opinion: Defensive Reinforcement Is Urgent

In my view, Liverpool’s calculated pursuit of centre-back options reflects both the gravity of Leoni’s injury and the club’s ambition to compete on all fronts. The need for defensive reinforcements has been evident since the summer, and the current shortage could cost them dearly if not addressed promptly. Moving decisively in January, whether for Diomande, Schlotterbeck, or another target, is not just wise—it’s essential if Liverpool are to avoid a repeat of past injury crises and keep their title hopes alive. For more updates and transfer news, visit for more news.