Liverpool are plotting a major summer rebuild at the back, with TWO £52million rated defenders firmly in their sights as Arne Slot looks to reshape his squad.
The Reds did plenty of business in 2025 but sporting director Richard Hughes faces another pivotal window, with questions marks over several first team regulars and contracts ticking down.
According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are keeping tabs on Juventus utility man Andrea Cambiaso, a 26 year old Italian international who can play anywhere across the backline and even step into midfield .
Manchester City and Real Madrid are also keen on the former Genoa man, who has made 35 appearances for the Serie A giants this season. Juventus will demand between €60/70million (£52m/£61m) to even consider selling, despite him being under contract until 2029 .
The interest makes sense when you look at Liverpool’s full back situation. Andy Robertson’s contract expires at the end of next season and he attracted interest from Tottenham in January . Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong are both currently crocked, and Kostas Tsimikas is out on loan.
Cambiaso’s versatility, he’s played left back, right back, left midfield and even right wing for Juventus this term makes him the kind of tactical Swiss Army knife Slot craves .
THE TAPSOBA TALE
Meanwhile, the Reds are also being linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen centre half Edmond Tapsoba, a player who knows all about working under rumoured future Anfield target Xabi Alonso .
The 27 year old Burkina Faso international has racked up over 250 games for Die Werkself and was a key man during that unbeaten title winning season under Alonso .
German outlet Fussball Daten claims Liverpool, Manchester United, PSG and Real Madrid are all monitoring the situation, with Tapsoba “on the verge of leaving” this summer . His €100m release clause is irrelevant, Leverkusen are willing to do business for around €60m (£52m) to fund a spending spree for new boss Kasper Hjulmand .
Fabrizio Romano has even suggested the price could drop to just €40m (£35m), which would represent an absolute steal for a defender in his prime with six goal contributions this season .
THE KONATE FACTOR
Here’s the thing, whether Liverpool actually NEED another centre back depends entirely on Ibrahima Konate.
The Frenchman’s contract situation remains unresolved, with Inter reportedly exploring a deal for the 26 year old . If Konate stays, the Reds might be covered with Virgil van Dijk, the Frenchman, plus young guns Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni.
If he goes? Then Tapsoba becomes a priority . At 6ft 4in, dominant in the air, quick across the ground and confident on the ball, he’s tailor made for the Premier League .
THE VERDICT
Liverpool’s defensive jigsaw has several moving parts. Robertson’s future, Konate’s contract, Bradley’s injury woes, Tsimikas’ loan, it all points toward at least one new face at the back.
Cambiaso offers versatility Slot clearly values. Tapsoba offers proven quality and a potential Alonso connection if the Spaniard ever does return to Anfield.
Both would cost serious money. Both have elite clubs circling. And both would represent statement signings as Liverpool look to defend their title and go again in Europe.
