Andoni Iraola to make crucial decision over £86m signings
Liverpool have begun to shake up their centre-back department.
Giovanni Leoni arrived last summer on a £26m deal from Parma. And over the course of the last few transfer windows Richard Hughes has been busy adding to his stockpile.
Mor Talla Ndiaye was acquired in January and deals were also put in place for Jeremy Jacquet and Ifeanyi Ndukwe. Hopes are high for Jacquet in particular following his £60m signing from Rennes in Ligue 1.
Like Leoni, 19, the Frenchman has been injured but looks set to feature in preseason following his arrival on Merseyside.
Liverpool need new partner for Van Dijk
Those two are among the top candidates to replace Ibrahima Konate alongside Virgil van Dijk in the centre of Andoni Iraola’s defence.
The French international has left for Real Madrid on a free transfer - leaving the new head coach facing the prospect of fielding a rookie for his opening campaign in charge.
Leoni and Jacquet scrapping for starting place
According to a report on BBC Sport no decision has yet been made on whether Jacquet or Leoni will start the season as Van Dijk’s preferred partner.
It looks as though the duo will be on trial for the duration of preseason - opening the door to a new centre-back signing down the line if neither fits the bill.
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Iraola facing big decision over £86m signings
“One of Iraola's priorities will be to determine whether Jacquet or Leoni are ready to start regularly alongside Van Dijk once the season begins,” the report reads.
“Liverpool firmly believe in the potential of 20-year-old Jacquet and 19-year-old Leoni but it will be an immense ask to instantly be regulars at Premier League level.
“Leoni's debut at Anfield last season was ruined by an anterior cruciate ligament injury and while no date has been set on his return, the belief is he will be able to play a part in pre-season at some point.”
Liverpool have invested £86m in the next generation of centre-back signings but may have to face up to the reality that they won’t be ready for the coming campaign.
A lot will be riding on the next few weeks as Iraola gets to grips with his squad. And even further down the line - in 2027 - the Basque tactico will be losing Van Dijk as well as Joe Gomez.
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