Liverpool are weighing their transfer options as the summer window progresses, with full-back reinforcements emerging as a key priority. New head coach Andoni Iraola has only added Spain winger Victor Munoz and France under-21 centre-back Jeremy Jacquet to the squad, leaving supporters concerned about a lack of depth, particularly at right-back where the Reds struggled last season.
Right-Back Woes Highlight Squad Shortcomings
Liverpool's lack of numbers at full-back was exposed last season, with multiple players deployed at right-back due to injuries and inconsistency. Conor Bradley, while promising, missed significant time, and stop-gap solutions proved inadequate. Ian Doyle, Liverpool FC Chief Correspondent, notes: "Liverpool simply didn't have enough numbers last season... The Reds really can't afford to go into a third successive campaign with worries about a lack of personnel."
With Andy Robertson departing, left-back also requires attention. Kostas Tsimikas may not welcome another season as second choice, increasing the need for versatile options.
Arsenal's Depth Model Offers Lesson
Mark Jones, Liverpool Content Editor, points to Arsenal's defensive depth as a blueprint: "Outside of scoring goals from set-pieces, if there's one thing that you can learn from the current Arsenal side it is the importance of having loads of defenders." Arsenal boasts multiple versatile defenders like Ben White, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori, while Liverpool's specialist full-backs—Milos Kerkez, Tsimikas, and Bradley—lack similar flexibility. Jones suggests the Reds need "younger, fitter Joe Gomezes" who can cover multiple defensive positions.
Neco Williams Emerges as Bargain Solution
Richard Garnett, Central Audience Sport Content Editor, proposes re-signing Neco Williams from Nottingham Forest as a cost-effective answer. Williams, a former Liverpool academy product, can play both full-back positions and would provide genuine competition for Bradley and Kerkez. Garnett argues: "The Welshman would provide genuine competition for Bradley and Milos Kerkez and would be my bargain pick for both positions." He warns that without adequate cover on either flank, Iraola could face the same issues as predecessor Arne Slot.
Two Full-Backs or One Versatile Option?
While Liverpool may need two full-backs, a single versatile player could suffice. Doyle emphasizes the need for "one more experienced versatile defender" who can operate in either full-back role. The Roy Evans era's Rob Jones serves as a historical precedent. Garnett concludes: "Iraola must ensure he has adequate cover on either flank or he could fall foul of the same issues endured by his predecessor."
