Opinion: Why Liverpool’s decision not to sign a defender could backfire

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The Hungarian registered seven Premier League goal contributions during his final season at the Cherries, while his aggressive defending and relentless energy were key reasons Liverpool targeted him. Centre-back Is Liverpool's biggest concern Jul 29, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Wrexham AFC midfielder Davis Keillor-Dunn (7) takes a shot against Liverpool FC defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe (83) during the first half at Yankee Stadium.

Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectCentral defense is rapidly becoming Liverpool’s biggest vulnerability heading into the new season.The club’s decision to hold off on defensive reinforcements has backfired early, with Joe Gomez the only senior center-back utilised by Andoni Iraola during pre-season suffering an injury that will rule him out of the opening fixtures of the upcoming campaign.The club’s recent recruitment drive for academy-level centre-backs means that Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye have featured prominently in pre-season, as well as 22-year-old Englishman Luke Chambers who spent last season on loan at Charlton and operated primarily as a left wing-back. That leaves Virgil van Dijk as Liverpool's only fully fit senior centre-back currently available.

A risk that could define Liverpool's season Liverpool were already vulnerable defensively last season despite having Andrew Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté available for much of the campaign. If Liverpool begin the season with a defence built around Kerkez, Van Dijk, an untested or returning centre-back, and either Frimpong or Szoboszlai at right-back, they will be relying heavily on players finding form rather than proven depth.