We have assessed some reported Liverpool centre-back targets for this summer transfer window, as eager Reds fans still wait for their first signing.
The main question for Liverpool is who will be the long-term partner for Virgil van Dijk in the centre of defence, with each candidate currently at the club having their own flaws.
Jarell Quansah was taken off at half-time in Liverpool's opening 2-0 Premier League win away at Ipswich Town, with new manager Arne Slot hinting that he did not win enough of his duels.
His replacement Ibrahima Konate is injury-prone, while Joe Gomez is seemingly out of favour having been left out of the squad altogether, and Sepp van den Berg joined Brentford earlier this week.
Nonetheless, Liverpool will be expected to go in for a central defender before the window closes, with these the most likely candidates…
Liverpool centre-back targets: The top three
1. Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
Newcastle United have now had four bids rejected for Marc Guehi, with Crystal Palace thought to be demanding in excess of £70m to lure the England international away from Selhurst Park. Liverpool have also been credited with an interest, and could pounce should this deal collapse.
Guehi showed his talents at Euro 2024, where he was undoubtedly one of England's best players. However, he was shaky defensively in Palace's opening 2-1 defeat away at London rivals Brentford in the Premier League, with a potential move perhaps on his mind.
2. Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton)
This would be somewhat of a surprise should it go through, but recent reports have linked Liverpool with a shock move for Everton centre-half Jarrad Branthwaite. Players very rarely move from one side of Merseyside to the other, but given Everton's problems with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), their hand could be forced.
Being naturally left-footed, it would be interesting to see how Liverpool would line up with him, as Van Dijk has traditionally been used as a left-sided centre-back. Everton are thought to be demanding at least £70m to let Branthwaite go, too, and that transfer fee could increase if their Merseyside rivals come knocking.
3. Lutsharel Geertruida (Feyenoord)
Lutsharel Geertruida is another defender who has been linked with a move to Anfield, which is not a surprise considering that Slot worked with him at Feyenoord. Although primarily a right-back, the Dutchman's versatility means that he can also play as a centre-back.
Geertruida was a key player in helping Feyenoord win the Eredivisie title in the 2022/23 season, and he has also won multiple other trophies with the club. It is not clear how much he would cost though, but Transfermarkt currently value the 24-year-old at just under £30m.
