Liverpool already found themselves light on centre backs heading into the season but their defensive concerns have only been exacerbated by Giovanni Leoni’s recent injury.
The 18-year-old, who signed from Parma for £26 million ($34.7 million) over the summer, suffered a suspected ACL injury in Liverpool’s recent Carabao Cup third round victory over Southampton, likely ruling him out for the majority of the 2025–26 campaign.
It’s a major setback in the wonderkid’s development and a sizeable blow for Liverpool, who are now down to just three senior central defenders. Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez are all that remain, although the likes of Andy Robertson, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch could be utilised as emergency options.
Arne Slot will require defensive reinforcements during the January transfer window if Liverpool are to compete for the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cup competitions.
Here are six centre backs Liverpool could turn to in the winter market.
