Exclusive: Liverpool Told to Sign £40m Premier League Star Next | OneFootball

Liverpool Must Complete Defensive Reinforcements to Back Slot’s Bold Ambitions

Liverpool fans can already feel a new era building under Arne Slot. Fresh off an extraordinary debut season that saw him lift the Premier League title, Slot has wasted no time in the transfer market. Key signings like Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike have added depth and dynamism to a squad already brimming with talent. But former midfielder Jason McAteer, speaking exclusively to EPL Index, has urged caution, particularly when it comes to the centre of defence.

Central Defence: A Missing Piece

“Losing Jarrell Quansah has left Liverpool short at the back,” said McAteer, and he’s absolutely right. While the Reds are stacked in midfield and up front, centre-back remains a cause for concern. The possibility of Ibrahima Konate leaving next summer adds urgency to the situation. “It will be difficult for Liverpool to keep hold of Konate next summer, so there needs to be a safety net and Guehi might be the best option.”

Marc Guehi has the composure, physicality and Premier League experience to make a long-term impact and is valued at around £40million. With just a year left on Konate’s contract, the club cannot afford to be reactive. Waiting until next summer to address this gap could leave them scrambling if European giants come knocking. Real Madrid and Barcelona would surely circle like hawks if Konate becomes a free agent.

Photo IMAGO

Full-Back Competition is Healthy

Elsewhere, McAteer sees genuine strength. “Conor Bradley can put pressure on Jeremie Frimpong at right-back, Milos Kerkez can cover or even start ahead of Andy Robertson.” This kind of competition is exactly what top sides thrive on. Slot now has multiple options in key wide areas, and it will force consistency from players who may have previously walked into the starting XI.

Slot’s willingness to rotate and build a cohesive unit is central to his style. The fact that no position feels guaranteed will serve the team well across four competitions.

Forward Line Looks Lethal

The addition of Hugo Ekitike rounds out a forward line already packed with pace and power. “With Hugo Ekitike coming in, every position in forward areas is covered,” McAteer noted. The Frenchman brings unpredictability and depth, something that could be crucial when injuries or form dips occur.

Adding Ekitike gives Slot a different profile from the likes of Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota. If Liverpool do manage to secure Alexander Isak as well, they will possess arguably the most flexible and fearsome attack in the league.

Final Touches Needed at Centre-Back

Liverpool are close to having a complete squad. There’s no question that the club has recruited smartly, with purpose and balance. However, McAteer’s analysis hits home: one injury or transfer in central defence and things could unravel quickly. “Centre-back is the area that needs attention, but the rest of the team looks very strong.”

Slot may have conquered the Premier League in his first season, but repeating that feat will require not just brilliance, but robustness across the entire squad. If Liverpool can land Marc Guehi and secure Konate’s future, they will be in the strongest position possible to defend their crown.