​Liverpool has begun to overhaul its center-back ranks, signaling a shift in the club’s defensive plans under new leadership. Giovanni Leoni arrived last summer for about £26 million from Parma, and in the ensuing transfer windows, Sporting director Richard Hughes has continued to bolster the options at the back. Mor Talla Ndiaye joined in January, and deals were also struck for Jeremy Jacquet and Ifeanyi Ndukwe, representing a clear strategy to refresh the stockpile in central defence. There is growing optimism about Jacquet, in particular, who was signed for a reported £60 million from Rennes in Ligue 1. Like Leoni, Jacquet is only 19 and has endured injury troubles, but he appears likely to feature in pre-season as he bids to adapt to life on Merseyside.
Both young prospects are among the leading contenders to partner Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Andoni Iraola’s defensive setup, especially after Ibrahima Konaté’s departure to Real Madrid on a free transfer. The change leaves Iraola with the task of assembling a new central-back pairing, and the club will be careful about integrating a rookie into Premier League life ahead of the season. BBC Sport reports that no decision has been made yet on whether Jacquet or Leoni will start alongside Van Dijk when the season gets underway. It appears the two will be put through a trial period during pre-season, potentially leaving the door open for a further signing if neither meets the required standard from the outset.
As a frame of reference for fans and bettors alike, the question remains whether Leoni or Jacquet can rise to the challenge of anchoring the defense in the toughest league in world football. Iraola’s priority is to determine which of the two is ready to start regularly next to Van Dijk from match one, a decision that could influence recruiting plans well into the transfer window. Liverpool’s faith in the potential of Jacquet and Leoni is clear, but the expectations are rightly high: to be trusted as a stable, long-term partner to Van Dijk in a demanding league.
Leoni’s arrival last season marked a key step in the club’s long-term plan to refresh the spine of the side. His ACL injury, which disrupted his debut at Anfield, has added a layer of caution to the assessment of his readiness for the upcoming campaign. While no official return date has been set, there is confidence within the club that he will be able to contribute during pre-season, giving Iraola more options to test in readiness for the Premier League’s opening weeks. In parallel, Jacquet’s development remains a focal point for Liverpool’s strategy to cultivate a homegrown talent pipeline capable of stepping into elite competition.
Overall, Liverpool has invested around £86 million into the next generation of centre-backs, underscoring a deliberate tactic to future-proof the squad’s defensive line. Yet reality may dictate that these young players are not immediately ready to be regulars at the highest level. The club’s approach—evaluating Leoni and Jacquet during pre-season while keeping options open for mid-season adjustments—reflects a prudent balance between optimism for young talent and the practical demands of competing in the Premier League. The transfer strategy indicates a longer-term plan to shape a resilient, sustainable backline that can evolve with Iraola’s vision for the team.