Liverpool have only made one signing so far this summer.
Indeed, Jeremy Jacquet will also be featuring for Liverpool for the first time ever this season but, since his deal was agreed in January, it doesn’t really feel like the Reds can count it as a new transfer.
Giovanni Leoni is also going to feel like a new signing but, since neither Leoni nor Jacquet have ever played in the Premier League, it’s unclear how well they’ll do.
And, since the Reds’ lack of depth came back to bite them last term, it’s clear that, if Liverpool want to start challenging for silverware again, they still need to sign at least four or five more players.
This is probably why so many players have been linked with an Anfield switch already this summer and, since so many of their Premier League rivals want to sign the same players that the Reds do, there’s a lot of competition for every player that they try and go for.
So, the fact that the Reds are now just waiting for the green light to make their move for one of their long-term targets is hardly surprising.
Liverpool are waiting for the green light from Paris Saint-Germain to sign Illia Zabarnyi
As mentioned, even though Liverpool have four centre-back options among their ranks, the fact that two of them haven’t played a single minute in the Premier League is rather worrying.
And, even though Joe Gomez was one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs at one point, the fact that he’s been so injury-prone over the last couple of years makes him feel rather unreliable.
So, with this in mind, it’s hardly surprising to see the Anfield outfit get linked with a new centre-back almost every day.
That is, especially since Virgil van Dijk is now 35 years old and only has a year left on his current deal.
Many players have been linked with Liverpool but now, a fresh update from Fichajes has emerged which may outline who Hughes’ main defensive target is this summer.
“Liverpool’s transfer activity is heating up, as the English club has added Ilia Zabarnyi to its list of options to reinforce the center of defense this summer,” they wrote.
“The Ukrainian international belongs to Paris Saint-Germain , but his name is gaining traction at Anfield for an important reason: Richard Hughes and Andoni Iraola are familiar with his performance and adaptation to the Premier League after working with him at Bournemouth.
“There are no advanced negotiations underway, although everything could change if the French club agrees to consider his departure.”
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Liverpool signing Illia Zabrnyi makes perfect sense
Whether Liverpool like it or not, they need a new centre-back.
As mentioned, Van Dijk is entering the final year of his contract and, the other three options that Iraola has aren’t filling fans with much confidence.
Indeed, Jacquet and Leoni are two of the biggest centre-back prospects in the world and, each of them could become just as good as Van Dijk if they reach their potential.
But, at the moment, since both of them are under the age of 21, it’s unclear whether they’ll be ready to make the step up to the Premier League this season or not.
And, if the Reds are wanting to better their end of season result in the 2026-27 campaign, they need to give themselves the best chance possible to do this.
Iraola’s appointment will obviously give the club a boost but, if FSG don’t back him, they’re going to run into the same problems again as, knowing Liverpool, their players are bound to suffer multiple injuries this term.
Zabarnyi has already played under Iraola so, the Ukranian joining the club would instantly know how the Spaniard wants him to play.
The centre-back would also be able to help other members of Liverpool’s squad to understand Iraola’s playing style and, since he already has a decent chunk of Premier League experience, he knows what it takes to compete in the world’s toughest league.
Here’s hoping Liverpool get themselves into gear and get a deal for the ‘incredible‘ defender over the line this summer.
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