Liverpool have spent this window in a way that looks tidy on paper, but football rarely lets you hide behind neat lists. Two defenders have arrived in Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo, Victor Munoz has been added out wide, and Harvey Elliott is back after a spell away. Yet the conversation that keeps coming back, and for good reason, is the one about Liverpool midfield balance.
That is why the comments from Darragh MacAnthony on talkSPORT land with a bit of force. He has urged Liverpool to go big for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton before the window shuts, and the case is easy enough to understand when you look at the shape of this squad.
Photo: IMAGO
MacAnthony said: "I'd love them to sign Adam Wharton. I think [Alexis] Mac Allister, for me, his legs were gone last year. It was only when he put an Argentina shirt on that his legs reappeared.
"If you could do business there with him going, I think you bring [Wharton] in and you've got a player for the next seven, eight years that will be a starter. He's got so much upside and potential in him. Even if he costs £85m-£100m or whatever else, you're getting the player for the long-term."

#macanthony #window #jeremy

Liverpool are to send one star on his way very shortly. He's got one more match and then he's off.
Incredibly, pre-season is nearly over. Liverpool have under two weeks until the big kick-off and that leaves them with little time to get everything in order.
The reality is that they likely won't get everything in order and we expect certain sagas to extend into next season and through to January. Hopefully, Bradley Barcola joining the club isn't among those.
But Curtis Jones's future, for instance, doesn't look like getting sorted anytime soon. We might have to wait on that one.
Ifeanyi Ndukwe is one who will be sorted, though. The teenage centre-back has had a fantastic pre-season with Liverpool, filling in for the injured Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet and the absent Virgil van Dijk.

#Liverpool #hopefully #bradley

There's now under a month left of the summer transfer window.
Most people thought that Liverpool would have been one of the busiest teams in the Premier League after their massive failure last term but, in reality, only two players have been signed this summer.
Of course, Jeremy Jacquet has also been brought in but, his move was agreed in January so technically, he isn't a summer transfer.
And, while all of these players being brought in is definitely a step in the right direction, it's clear that a lot more change is still needed at Anfield for them to become genuine contenders again.
Several players are still being linked with Liverpool moves but, at the moment, none of those deals feel like they're in advanced positions or even close to being sealed.

#brought #league

Andoni Iraola still has a lot of work to do to his team.
The Spaniard may have already welcomed three new players to his ranks but, with how poor Liverpool were last term, they need more than just three players adding to their ranks.
Their attack and defence need a complete revamp and, while Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo will certainly help them do that, another player who could play anywhere across the back four would be helpful.
Of course, that's a lot to ask for in a player these days but, since Joe Gomez is so injury **** e, it's clear that Liverpool need a replacement for him too.
Despite their defence needing tonnes of work, their attacking line could also do with another new signing or two as well.

#ranks

A cult hero at Anfield has confirmed his international teammate is joining Liverpool.
A Liverpool cult hero has confirmed his international teammate is joining the Reds.
Liverpool's lack of depth at centre-back is becoming one of the biggest concerns of the summer, and it is a problem that Andoni Iraola really could have done without heading into his first season.
Virgil van Dijk remains the obvious leader at the back and, when fit, is still the defender Liverpool can build around. The problem is what comes after him.
Jeremy Jacquet was brought in with huge expectations and looks like a player Liverpool believe can become a major part of their future. But he has yet to return to full training, meaning there is now a genuine question over whether he will be ready for the opening game against Newcastle United.

#confirmed #international

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola says Jeremy Jacquet should be fit for their next game against Como after being left out of the squad for the friendly with Monaco.
Jacquet was considered for selection but was ultimately left out as the Reds opted not to take any risks with his recovery.
"Jeremy Jacquet, we were in doubt whether to put him [in the squad] today, we decided not but he should be fine for the next one," Iraola said.
"It is taking a little bit of time, as we expected."
Iraola also provided a positive update on Curtis Jones, who has been training regularly but suffered a minor hip issue.

#iraola #jacquet #como

Liverpool are on the brink of signing Ronald Araujo from Barcelona. We've had a look at his real value - and why the Reds want him.
Liverpool will imminently announce the signing of Ronald Araujo from Barcelona on a one-year loan deal with an option to buy. That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who was among those breaking the news on Friday night.
The Reds will be able to pay €55m to make it all permanent next July, while they'll also cover his wages in full for the duration of the loan.
On the face of it, you can see why Liverpool made this move. They needed a centre-back in his prime years - someone who can bridge the gap between Virgil van Dijk (35), Jeremy Jacquet (21) and Giovanni Leoni (19) but perhaps offer a bit more reliability than Joe Gomez.
On top of that, Araujo can play right-back, too, covering the injured Conor Bradley. So the logic here does make sense.

#araujo #ronald #loan #make

Liverpool have agreed a season-long loan deal to sign Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo as Andoni Iraola moves to address his shortage of defensive options.
The 27-year-old Uruguay international is set to provide cover at centre-back and right-back, with Liverpool facing a number of injury problems across their defence.
According to The Athletic, Araujo's versatility is particularly valuable to Liverpool, with Conor Bradley expected to miss the opening months of the season with a knee injury. Joe Gomez is also recovering from a muscular problem, while Giovanni Leoni remains sidelined following an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Ibrahima Konate left Liverpool at the end of his contract to join Real Madrid, further reducing Iraola's options. Jeremy Jacquet, meanwhile, has yet to feature in pre-season after a serious shoulder injury and a subsequent minor issue.
The defensive shortage was evident during Liverpool's recent tour of the United States, with teenage defenders Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye featuring heavily. Full-back Luke Chambers was also used in central defence, while Iraola acknowledged that his squad was "thin" in the position.

#season

Liverpool are set to finalise the signing of Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona.
Andoni Iraola's side havereached an agreement to sign the Barcelona captain on a season-long loan deal, with a non-mandatory option to make the move permanent for an undisclosed fee.
Liverpool have targeted Araujo to add depth to their centre-back options, following the loss of Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Araujo will add an experienced option alongside Virgil van Dijk, helping to ease the adaption of summer signing Jeremy Jacquet and 19-year-old Giovanni Leoni, who is returning from an ACL lay-off.
Araujo will hope to rebuild his career at Liverpool after a frustrating couple of seasons in Catalonia. The Uruguay international has struggled for form and fitness in recent campaigns and took a break from football to focus on his mental health last season, amid fierce criticism.

#ibrahima

Liverpool have agreed a loan deal for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Reds desperately needed a new centre-half as they are dangerously short-manned at the back following the departure of Ibrahima Konate.
Liverpool signed Giovanni Leoni last summer, but he picked up a long-term injury before he could even find his footing. He is still getting up to speed.
The Merseyside outfit purchased Jeremy Jacquet in January, but soon after, he also picked up an injury that sidelined him for months.
Joe Gomez has suffered an injury in pre-season, too, leaving Liverpool light in the rearguard ahead of the resumption of the Premier League.

#Liverpool #ronald #ibrahima

Liverpool have been linked with countless opportunities for transfers to and from Anfield this summer.
Bradley Barcola and Yan Diomande have been the two main players to dominate headlines but now, it feels like a deal for Ibrahim Mbaye could also be on the cards.
So, while many rumours about the future of Liverpool's team have been shared, the fact that no other deals apart from Victor Munoz's and Jeremy Jacquet's have gotten over the line yet is rather concerning.
However, as with anything in football, things can change in an instant and, by the end of the summer transfer window, an entirely new-look team could be under Andoni Iraola's ruling.
That is, especially since Liverpool are a sell-to-buy team.

#diomande

Liverpool's summer transfer window is eventually starting to pick up the pace. It started well with the arrivals of Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, but since then it has been radio silence for six weeks.
Now, Liverpool are in talks over a double raid on PSG to sign both Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye. Fabrizio Romano has provided a really positive update on the latter of those names…
Speaking on Give Me Sport's 'Market Madness' podcast, Romano claimed Liverpool are in the driving seat to sign the 18 year old.
He said: "There is genuine interest in Ibrahim Mbaye and there is a conversation happening with the player's new agent, Jorge Mendes."
"Bayer Leverkusen were pushing but now Liverpool lead the race for Mbaye. Let's see if they can reach a financial agreement with PSG."

#Liverpool #ibrahim #romano #jeremy

Liverpool have no plans to bring Jarell Quansah back to Anfield despite facing a defensive injury crisis ahead of the new Premier League season, talkSPORT reports.
Liverpool have an option to re-sign the 23-year-old defender from Bayer Leverkusen through a £70 million buyback clause, but they've decided against pursuing the deal.
Interestingly, this comes at a time when Liverpool are dealing with several defensive concerns.
Liverpool stalwart Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of the season after sustaining an injury in the Reds' 4-2 victory over Sunderland in their pre-season curtain-raiser.
Highly rated youngsters Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni are both still working their way back to full fitness after lengthy injury setbacks.

#quansah

[BBC]
Liverpool's current squad depth has come under the spotlight in recent weeks with fans and pundits alike wondering how the Reds will fare this season with several positions looking short of quality and experience.
The Anfield side have let go of key figures Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahim Konate this summer and have brought in young talents Jeremy Jacquet at centre back and Victor Munoz in attack.
They have been linked with bringing the highly-rated Bradley Barcola in to reinforce the attack from Paris St-Germain in what would be a big-money move, while fans are also hoping there will be further additions in defence.
Another factor Liverpool have to bear in mind with their squad building this summer is the amount of 'home grown' slots they have. Every Premier League club is only permitted to have 17 non-home-grown players in their 25-man squad.

#reds #anfield #salah

Liverpool will be wanting to improve their Premier League standing during the 2026-27 season.
The Anfield outfit only mustered up a fifth-place finish last time around which, for a team who were supposed to be defending their ***** le, was a catastrophic result.
The poor performances from most of the Reds' first-team squad led fans to demand that changes were made at Anfield.
And, although the summer window started off pretty well as Liverpool welcomed Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz through the doors, since the Spaniard's arrival, no concrete moves have been made for any other players.
Indeed, rumours about Liverpool preparing a bid for Bradley Barcola have started to emerge but, for now, they're just rumours.

#Liverpool #made #started #reds

Andoni Iraola says he hopes to have four Liverpool players back involved for the first time this pre-season when his side take on Leeds on Sunday.
The Reds beat Wrexham 1-0 in their latest pre-season friendly in New York, thanks to a Rio Ngumoha goal.
Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Jeremy Jacquet were among those not involved again, but Iraola says he is hoping to have them all play a part later this week.
Y"es, my idea is for Ryan [Gravenberch], for Florian [Wirtz], for Alex [Isak], for even Jeremy Jacquet to have their first minutes against Leeds," he said.
"We'll see how many minutes they can play but we have to start slowly, slowly integrating more of the senior players that have had less training sessions. I think they should be ready on the weekend to have their first minutes."

#iraola

Liverpool's planning at centre-back has taken an uncomfortable turn after Joe Gomez suffered an injury in the pre-season friendly against Sunderland, a development that further narrows Andoni Iraola's options before the new season begins.
As reported by BBC Sport, Gomez went off after only eight minutes and was then absent from training in Chicago on Sunday. There is still no confirmed timescale on the issue, but the immediate picture is clear enough. Liverpool are short in a key area of the pitch, and that shortage is sharpening the focus on both recruitment planning and existing contingency measures.
Photo IMAGO
At present, Virgil van Dijk stands as the only fit senior centre-back available. For a side preparing for another demanding campaign, that is far from ideal. Van Dijk's status as captain and defensive leader remains central, but relying so heavily on one established figure at this stage of pre-season leaves little margin for error.
The problem has been compounded by the unavailability of summer arrivals Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni. Jacquet's issue is understood to be minor, yet the timing leaves Iraola with an undeniably thin group in central defence. It is the sort of situation clubs prefer to avoid in July and August, because even short absences can disrupt rhythm, partnerships and tactical work.

#season #centre #short

From the outside, Liverpool's failure to seal a move for Marc Guehi last summer looks even more interesting now.
They have a buyback clause with Jarell Quansah, who left for Bayer Leverkusen for £35m last July, but there are no current plans for Quansah to return.
Sources stress that if Liverpool bring in Bradley Barcola, who Paris St-Germain value in excess of £100m, then there will be limitations to what more they can do in the market.
Deals for Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz have cost a combined £94.5m.
Without any major outgoings from Andoni Iraola's squad, there is an understanding that this summer will not be like last summer, when a club record £450m was spent.

#quansah #bayer #sources

Jeremy Jacquet is currently getting to know his new Liverpool teammates, including one who the French defender humorously described as 'off his head'.
The 21-year-old officially completed his move from Rennes at the start of July, with the deal having been agreed five months previously, and has been training with Andoni Iraola's squad in the United States on their pre-season tour.
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He could make his first matchday appearance for the Reds tonight when they take on Sunderland in Nashville, and he's now had a good couple of weeks with many of his new teammates (other than those who've yet to come back from their World Cup involvement).
In an interview with liverpoolfc.com, Jacquet namechecked some of the players with whom he's spoken the most, including one whose charisma has been particularly striking.

#teammates

Liverpool have managed to get two big deals over the line so far this summer.
Jeremy Jacquet’s signature was put in place back in winter but the move which takes him from Rennes to Anfield for £60m has now been completed.
Richard Hughes struck an opportunistic deal for Victor Munoz - who arrives on a £34m deal from Osasuna. Another player - Ifeanyi Ndukwe - has also been registered with the centre-back moving from Austria Vienna.
But Andoni Iraola’s side remain short on players in key positions. Right-back is shaping up to be an issue once again.
Conor Bradley is not expected to be fit anytime soon following a leg injury suffered in January and last season midfielders were asked to fill in.

#rennes

Ibrahima Konate's Liverpool exit may have been expected but, that doesn't mean that it hurts any less.
It's now been two seasons on the bounce where Liverpool have lost two of their regular starters to Real Madrid on free transfers.
During the 2025-26 season, the La Liga giants managed to prise Trent Alexander-Arnold away from his boyhood club and now, Konate has followed suit.
Indeed, talks between the Frenchman and Liverpool were ongoing over the last 18 months but, for one reason or another, the two parties just couldn't reach an agreement.
This has now left Liverpool with a gaping hole in their defence and, even though some people believe the gap can be filled by Jeremy Jacquet, it's still unclear whether the young Frenchman will be able to hold his own in the Premier League or not.

#Liverpool #real #liga #alexander

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has outlined the club’s transfer plans for this window and pinpointed one position on the pitch that they “definitely need” to address with incoming players.
Liverpool have already signed defender Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, although that deal was agreed back in January, and forward Victor Munoz from Osasuna this summer.
However, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate have all left the club, while the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are sidelined through injury. Transfer guru Michael Edwards has also left Anfield this summer, throwing a lot of their plans up in the air.
Iraola was reticent to commit to an exact number of signings when he spoke to reporters in Chicago as part of Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States but acknowledged that a Salah replacement on the wing was a non-negotiable addition.
“I think it is difficult to say a number,” said Iraola. “When the market is open, you have to be always open to new options to improve the squad.

#iraola #salah #plans

Andoni Iraola is hopeful that Liverpool can add new faces to the squad in the coming weeks.
Iraola spoke to the media for the first time since officially beginning his reign as Liverpool head coach,having arrived from Bournemouth earlier in the summer.
Liverpool have signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna for a £34m fee this summer, while Jeremy Jacquet's pre-arranged transfer to Anfield from Rennes has also been concluded.
It has been a summer of change at Liverpool, with a new head coach and several senior names departing the club. Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate have all left Liverpool, a trio who played more than 1000 games for the Reds combined.
Iraola has said that Liverpool need to remain active in terms of recruitment to replace those names, but confirmed the team are working hard behind the scenes to get deals done.

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.
Those two are among the top candidates to replace Ibrahima Konate alongside Virgil van Dijk in the centre of Andoni Iraola’s defence.

Liverpool are monitoring Wolves youngster Mateus Mane as Andoni Iraola shapes plans for a significant summer rebuild, with United in Focus reporting that the Merseyside club admire the 18-year-old but are currently nowhere near Wolves' £35m valuation.
The situation is understood to be at an early stage. Liverpool's interest appears genuine, and Mane's profile fits what many leading clubs seek in elite young talent, technical quality, positional flexibility and long-term upside. Yet admiration and action are two very different things in this market, particularly when a player has limited senior exposure and his club feel under little pressure to sell.
Mane's emergence has not gone unnoticed. The Portugal youth international is viewed as one of Wolves' brightest **** ets despite the club's relegation, and his ability to operate in midfield, as a No 10 or from wide areas gives him broad appeal. That sort of adaptability can be attractive for a head coach beginning a new cycle, especially one **** sing how best to reconfigure an unbalanced squad.
Liverpool's summer is being shaped by wider change. Iraola has arrived following a disappointing campaign, and the squad already looks different after several high-profile departures. Additions have started, with Victor Munoz brought in and Jeremy Jacquet joining after his earlier agreement, but there is still a sense that Liverpool are surveying multiple markets before committing to further major outlay.
Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool are reportedly among numerous clubs to have dispatched scouts to watch a teenage defender who caught the eye at the 2026 World Cup.
FSG have implemented a clear strategy to invest in long-term potential at centre-back, with several young signings in that position over the past year, including Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet for the first team, and the likes of Dara Jikiemi and Mor Talla Ndiaye for the academy.
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The defensive recruitment drive mightn’t have finished, either, judging by a report which has emerged on Wednesday afternoon.
According to Graeme Bailey for TEAMtalk, Liverpool are among several Premier League clubs to have ******* igned scouts to keep a close watch on Lucas Herrington, who plays for Colorado Rapids in MLS and represented Australia at this year’s World Cup.

James Pearce has sought to ease any worries among Liverpool supporters over the relatively quiet summer transfer window thus far.
In contrast to the £446m spending spree which was in progress last year, FSG have been much more reserved in the market this time around, with Victor Munoz the only newly-signed player nearly a month into the window (Jeremy Jacquet's move was agreed in the winter and took effect on 1 July).
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The biggest change at Anfield so far this summer has come in the dugout, with Arne Slot replaced by Andoni Iraola in early June, although it was reported in recent days that sporting director Richard Hughes is 'expected' to leave for Al-Hilal in the near future.
In the latest Transfer DealSheet for The Athletic, Pearce gave two reasons as to why transfer business at Liverpool has been thin on the ground so far.

Liverpool have already been active in the transfer window with deals for Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz already wrapped up.
A move for another midfielder is expected with names like Adam Wharton and Alex Scott being heavily linked.
However, an attacking midfielder could also be on their radar. According to Ideal Granada, Liverpool have joined the race for UD Almeria star Sergio Arribas.
The report said: "The English club has set its sights on the Madrid-born attacker after his outstanding season with the Almería side, a campaign that has established him as one of the most sought-after players in the Segunda División and one of the best opportunities on the market, with 26 goals and seven **** ists in 46 appearances this season."
However, the report claims that Real Madrid will hold a 'significant' role in any negotiations for Arribas: "Real Madrid will also play a significant role in any negotiations. The club retained 50% of Arribas' economic rights when he transferred to Almería in the summer of 2023, convinced of the academy graduate's potential and the possibility of obtaining a substantial profit from a future sale. This clause gives Real Madrid a privileged position in any transfer that may occur during this window."

Liverpool are reconstructing their centre-back line.
Last summer the Reds signed Giovanni Leoni for £26m from Parma. This week they announced the capture of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes for a fee that could top £60m.
Other promising young defenders like Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe have also arrived - safeguarding the position long into the future.
The outgoing Premier League champions require numbers and quality in the position for several reasons.
Ibrahima Konate, 27, has joined Real Madrid on a free transfer. And other senior options - Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez - are out of contract in 2027.

Liverpool’s preparations for the new campaign have received a significant lift after new signing Jeremy Jacquet delivered an encouraging update on his recovery from injury, raising hopes that he will be available from the very start of Andoni Iraola’s reign.
The young central defender officially arrived at Anfield this week after his transfer from Rennes was confirmed, having agreed the move during the winter transfer window before remaining in France for the rest of last season.
Although a shoulder injury curtailed his final months in Ligue 1, Jacquet now believes the worst is behind him and is confident he will report for pre-season fully fit. That news will be welcomed by Iraola, who is preparing for his first summer in charge of Liverpool and will be eager to ****** s his new squad as early as possible.
Speaking during an interview with LFCTV following confirmation of his Liverpool move, Jacquet explained that his rehabilitation is progressing well and that he is approaching full fitness.
He said: “My shoulder is much better now, and as part of my rehab I’m now back out on the grass on my own.