Liverpool 'weighing up' World Cup star transfer as Andoni Iraola admits defensive injury crisis

Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for a Premier League defender who impressed during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Andoni Iraola has already welcomed both Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz to the 20-time English champions this summer, but the Reds are likely to add several names to their ranks ahead of the season opener against Newcastle on August 23.

Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson and Ibrahima Konate were the notable departures following the 2025/26 campaign, in which Liverpool finished fifth and failed to win a trophy, ultimately leading to Arne Slot being sacked.

Earlier this summer, Liverpool were heavily linked with RB Leipzig left-winger Yan Diomande, although the Ivorian looks set to join Real Madrid despite approaches from Paris Saint-Germain.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have turned their attention to the pursuit of PSG and France winger Bradley Barcola, with the clubs reportedly engaging in talks over a £128.5million deal.

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Bournemouth’s Rayan is also seen as a ‘dream’ target by Liverpool, with Iraola keen to reunite with the Brazilian after establishing an excellent working relationship with the teenager at the south-coast club.

Andoni Iraola admits need for defensive reinforcements

While the signing of attacking reinforcements looks likely, Iraola has also admitted that his squad is “thin” defensively after Joe Gomez was forced off with an injury during the Reds’ pre-season friendly against Sunderland last week.

This left Virgil van Dijk as the only fit centre-back at the club, with Jacquet and long-term absentee Giovanni Leoni recovering from injuries.

Jacquet is expected to return towards the latter part of Liverpool’s US tour.

"The worst news straight away was the injury of Joe," Iraola said after the match.

“We were happy because we were going through all those trainings without losing any players, and unluckily for us, straight away, we have lost Joe."

He added: “With the center-back, with the right-back situation, in terms of defensive depth, we are, I think, very thin right now, so I think it’s a solution that we are trying to find, yes."

Now, according to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are weighing up an approach for Aston Villa and England centre-back Ezri Konsa.

The 28-year-old played in all eight games of England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals, having impressed under Unai Emery at Villa as the side won the Europa League and finished fourth in the Premier League last term.

Konsa, who is also admired by Arsenal, is contracted to Villa until 2028. Liverpool were also linked with John Stones, although the free agent looks close to a move to Serie A giants Inter.

Despite interest from other clubs, Villa are keen to offer Konsa a new contract.