Under-the-radar Liverpool signing to replace Joe Gomez

Under-the-radar Liverpool signing to replace Joe Gomez

There is a big shakeup coming to the centre of Liverpool’s defence.

The process began last summer when Giovanni Leoni came into the club on a £26m deal from Parma. Out went Jarell Quansah - while Liverpool have also lined up summer deals for Jeremy Jacquet and Ifeanyi Ndukwe.

The reason so much change is needed in a relatively short period of time is uncertainty around the futures of several experienced defenders.

In the short term Ibrahima Konate is out of contract at the end of the current season and if no agreement is reached he will be leaving for free.

Joe Gomez meanwhile has cast doubt on the prospect of continuing at Anfield for much longer.

And given the recent transfer speculation around Virgil van Dijk - a target for Galatasaray - fans can be forgiven for worrying about what’s coming down the track.

Mor Talla Ndiaye: High hopes

Richard Hughes and Arne Slot have a plan though. If Gomez leaves there is plenty of cover in the shape of Leoni, 19, and Jacquet, 20.

But in January will also come into the reckoning.