Liverpool problem could wreck season even if Isak joins and Slot must fix it now

Liverpool may face a major defensive problem if they place all their efforts into signing Alexander Isak for the remainder of the transfer window. Arne Slot has been left with only three senior centre-backs ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Jarell Quansah's departure to Bayer Leverkusen means that Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez are the only recognised centre-backs in Slot's squad. Konate has been linked with a departure and has only one year remaining on his contract, while Gomez has suffered from repeated injuries throughout his career. It remains to be seen whether Van Dijk, who is now 34, can play consistently across four demanding competitions.

Despite those concerns, Liverpool's interest in Marc Guehi appears to have stalled. Crystal Palace are demanding at least £40million for a player who the Premier League champions could sign for free next summer. There will be scepticism over whether meeting Palace's asking price represents value for money, but it may be a deal that needs to happen for the sake of Liverpool's aspirations next term.

Liverpool cannot afford to go into next season without another centre-back. If that means halting a pursuit of Alexander Isak and instead trusting £79m signing Hugo Ekitike as their main striker, then that is what needs to happen.

A major injury to Van Dijk - like the ACL damage the Dutchman suffered in 2020 - could completely derail Liverpool's defence of their Premier League title. You can have all the world-class talent in attack, but a brittle back line will cause severe problems.

Slot reportedly believes that Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo can act as back-up defenders if they are required. But surely the Liverpool boss only sees that as a short-term fix. It would be a big concern to see Gravenberch play in the role for a large part of the season, and would mean the 23-year-old vacating the midfield position in which he has excelled under Slot.

Liverpool must therefore focus their attention on signing defenders, particularly younger players who can be long-term successors for Van Dijk and Konate, who may decide to leave at the end of his contract. Battling Chelsea for Ajax teenager Jorrel Hato, who can also play at left-back, would be a good idea.

Isak's arrival for £150m may indeed propel Liverpool to another Premier League title, and may even make them the strongest contenders for the Champions League. But better balance in the squad must be prioritised.