Key position not a priority for Liverpool at the moment, confirms Romano

7 Aug 2026 13:50 BST | 4 min read

Andoni Iraola, Liverpool, 2026/27 — © IMAGO

FT Desk

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Liverpool are not prioritising the acquisition of a new right-back at the moment, as the clock ticks down to the start of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.

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Right-back has become a problem position for Liverpool ever since Trent Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid last summer.

Jeremie Frimpong was brought in as his direct successor, but injury issues severely limited his playing time in his debut campaign at Anfield to just 12 starts. There were also concerns about his defensive prowess, with his electric pace more suited to galloping up the field.

Conor Bradley was an option, but he too suffered from constant fitness problems, which have been an issue throughout his whole senior career.

That meant that Joe Gomez and even Dominik Szoboszlai had to deputise at right-back on a number of occasions, and taking the Hungarian out of Liverpool's midfield did appear to have an impact on the balance of the team.

© IMAGO - Jeremie Frimpong only made 12 Premier League starts last season

Many Liverpool fans have been clamouring for a new right-back this summer, but Fabrizio Romano confirms that they are not currently in negotiations for a player in that position.

"Because on Liverpool, there are many reports on right-back. If I know something on right-back, I will let you know," he said on his YouTube channel.

“At the moment, I'm not aware of movements for [right-back target] despite reports. If something happens, I will let you know. But at the moment, I'm not aware of that.

“For Liverpool, keep an eye also on centre-backs. Because what I'm hearing is that Liverpool could consider a move for a centre-back in this summer transfer window, in these final weeks.

“Because Liverpool could consider adding one more player in that position. It's not something that we have to exclude.

“So more than right-back in this moment, in this specific moment, I would keep an eye also on the centre-back position.”

The centre-back situation

Liverpool are looking thin at centre-back going into the new season. The biggest issue is the departure of Ibrahima Konate, who left for Real Madrid after his contract expired, meaning the Reds lost their established partner for Virgil van Dijk.

The acquisition of Jeremy Jacquet was concluded this summer but he has had some fitness issues and is yet to make his debut, while Giovanni Leoni is still recovering from the cruciate ligament injury he suffered last season.

The only other experienced centre-back, in addition to Van Dijk, is Gomez but he was also struck down by injury in a pre-season friendly.

The club considered a move for John Stones as a free agent a couple of weeks ago, but Inter beat them to the punch on that one.

Most recently, they have been linked with Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio, reports TeamTalk.