Four centre-backs Liverpool could sign this summer

Liverpool have already been busy working on signing defensive recruits, but there is one position that has received little to no attention whatsoever in this summer transfer window.

The role in question is of course centre-back. The left flank will be dominated by Andy Robertson and likely Milos Kerkez. The right flank will have Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong. But the most important defensive role is currently in a state of flux which is a worrying sign for next season.

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Virgil Van Dijk's contract extension to 2027 is the only really positive news. His leadership and world class ability will be integral to the team's success next season. But Ibrahima Konate's contract talks are yet to be fruitful, so his future is incredibly uncertain and Jarrel Quansah is receiving approaches.

Furthermore, it was clear throughout last season that the partnership between Van Dijk and Konate was going to be integral to Liverpool's title success. In other seasons moving forward, we will not be quite as lucky with injuries. Creating squad depth that can be relied upon is essential this summer.

As such, here are four centre-back options that Liverpool have been linked with before. I will assess each one on their merits and plausibility to join the Reds. The available talent pool is impressive.

Alessandro Bastoni - Inter Milan

The 26-year-old Italian colossus is the most experienced player in this list, having won the European Championship with his country and lifted the Serie A title with Inter twice. But his portfolio of winnings could easily have been so much more when we look back on missed opportunities.

In the 2019/20 season, he came runner-up in the Europa League and in both the 2022/23 season and last season, he missed out on becoming a Champions League winner after losing the final.

Apart from a couple of loan moves, his career has been spent at Inter since he joined them in 2017 after moving from Atalanta's U20 team. All he knows is playing in the Italian first-division.

Per FBREF, his main strengths include shot-creating actions, progressive passes, progressive carries and tackles, making him a ideal player to sit on the half-way line and dictate play from deep.

His performances over the years have helped him become renowned as one of the best defenders in Europe and Liverpool's back-line would be revolutionised if the club could sign him up this summer.

While he is contracted until 2028, recent failures to win the Serie A title - missing out on the last day of the season - and the Champions League after an embarrassing 5-0 defeat to PSG could force him to reconsider his future and ambitious Premier League title winners Liverpool would be a perfect fit.

Marc Guehi - Crystal Palace

Now that the Eagles have won the FA Cup - their first piece of major silverware - this move might be nigh-on impossible. Their qualification into the Europa League as a result of their success will likely be enough for him to turn his nose up an any potential suitors this summer.

At 24 years old, he is the ideal candidate to reinvigorate Liverpool's defence, perfectly matching the age profile we're looking for, and his experience in the Premier League is a huge bonus to consider.

Like Bastoni, his strengths (per FBREF) are in progressive passes, successful take-ons, touches in the opposition's box, tackles and blocks. He's an all-round package.

While he plays in a back-three system under Oliver Glasner, he can play as a left-sided centre-back or a right sided centre-back as his dominant foot is his right. Be it replacing Van Dijk at times in the starting XI or partnering the Dutchman instead of Konate, he is capable of playing either role.

Furthermore, his contract is set to expire in 2026, making this the last summer that he is available to be sold, if a new deal isn't presented to him. His current wage is £50,000 a week which Liverpool can easily triple if not quadruple to make him a talisman that can play for us long into the future.

We've been linked with him for a long time now, and while he might previously have been looked at as a Van Dijk replacement, which is no longer necessary, he would be the ideal successor to the Dutchman when 2027 rolls around. Why not sign him early and put the future-planning into action?

Jarrad Branthwaite - Everton

Now I know what you're thinking, 'an Evertonian to join the Red side of Merseyside? No chance'. But the right financial offer could be enough for Liverpool to sign one of the most exciting English talents.

At 22 years-old, his age is perfect for us, and given his roots are already in the Liverpool area, the transfer would be relatively stress-free for him. No need for him to pack up his stuff and move house.

On a serious note, this would be an extraordinary transfer. His stats are difficult to read into, given he is playing for an Everton team that have been struggling in the Premier League as of late. Whenever a new season comes around, the prospect of relegation is considered, which is a worrying sign.

But his personal form has never wavered, delivering standout performances that have him knocking on the door of the England national team. A move to a 'big club' seems inevitable at this point.

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His current wage is just £35,000 a week, which will inevitably lead to him having conversations about where his future lies, and since his deal is up in 2027, those discussions will need to happen soon.

While you might think, Everton would be daft to sell him since he's one of their best and brightest talents, his transfer elsewhere is a legitimate possibility. Chelsea have already made an approach for him, and if the transfer fee is significant enough, then the Blues will have food for thought to consider.

Jorrel Hato - Ajax

The Dutchman has been the most commonly linked defender to Liverpool beside Kerkez and Frimpong this summer, although his name has come up in a few different conversations.

At first, he was shortlisted as a left-back recruit, although it does seem as though the Hungarian will get that gig ahead of him, but it shouldn't bring an end to our interest in signing Hato.

Despite playing on the left-side at Ajax this season, the 19-year-old is a centre-back by trade and his ability to play a number of different roles should be looked at as a strength rather than a weakness.

Liverpool's ability to be malleable with their squad is what makes them such an impressive outfit.

Ryan Gravenberch - a traditional No. 8 - has been able to mould into the No. 6 that the Reds needed this season, meanwhile Luis Diaz has become a makeshift No. 9 at times. Moving forward, Jeremie Frimpong will be an occasional right-winger, meanwhile Florian Wirtz is the ultimate shapeshifter.

Joe Gomez has been a great servant at the club and his ability to play as a full-back and a centre-back at times has helped him to stay at with the Reds for as long as he has done. Hato would become just as important an asset if he were to join and Liverpool have a serious Dutch contingent.

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His friendship with Gravenberch has been well reported and during a break in the Eredivisie calendar, he visited Anfield to see his friend. A move to the Premier League must surely be tempting.