​Stephen Warnock has urged Liverpool to sign a right-back, a centre-back and a right winger this summer. The former Red pointed to the Reds’ backline problems, noting Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley have battled fitness issues at right-back. With Ibrahima Konate’s departure on a free transfer leaving a hole at the heart of defence, Warnock stressed that Liverpool cannot afford to head into the new season with insufficient options.
He expressed disappointment with the club’s recruitment approach this summer, suggesting that despite Konate’s exit, the window has been trending toward a stagnation that could undermine Liverpool’s title ambitions. Warnock spoke exclusively to Empire of the Kop on behalf of BetTOM, arguing that the club must act decisively to bolster the squad’s defensive spine and wide positions.
“I think you’ve got to get a centre-back and a right-back,” Warnock told Empire of the Kop. “It’s imperative that Liverpool sort out that back line. They were exposed last year, even with Konate. Then you look at the right-back position. Conor Bradley is injured, Frimpong didn’t settle in or find form and had too many injuries of his own. We’ve got Jacquet coming into the squad and Leoni returning, but it’s a big ask for two young players to step into those roles. They are exciting prospects, but the question remains: who will play right-back? Can Conor stay fit for the season? That’s a major challenge.”
“I’m going to be greedy,” he added. “I want a centre-back, a right-back and a right winger, because that’s what Liverpool need. I also think they could benefit from another midfielder—a proper No. 6 who can cover ground and offer a creative spark—since the midfield currently looks light in depth.”
Warnock’s point underscores the broader challenge for Liverpool: while one new midfielder could be plausible, the forward department appears notably thin, and the club’s overall recruitment strategy has left some fans concerned about the level of depth available to contend across multiple competitions.
New manager Andoni Iraola has framed the issue clearly in his first press conference at the AXA Training Centre: “We’ve signed two players but we need more. We know this; we are working on this. As a coach I want the players here from day one, selfishly, but we know it doesn’t work like that. We’re working hard for those signings.” The pressing question remains: will Liverpool secure the reinforcements needed to push for a high-intensity, press-heavy style of play and restore momentum after a challenging recruitment period? The answer will shape how the squad approaches the upcoming season and whether the forward and defensive lines finally receive the upgrades supporters have been calling for.