Reports said Liverpool are planning for defensive recruitment in 2027 and are likely to look for two new defenders that year. The same reporting said Liverpool and Trent Alexander-Arnold are aligned in their thinking over any return.
Defensive planning for 2027
Liverpool are plotting a big defender deal in 2027, according to the report. It said Virgil van Dijk’s contract is set to expire and Ronald Araujo’s loan will be up in the summer, with Liverpool already eyeing options at centre-back and right-back.
Branthwaite interest reported
It’s reported Liverpool are also interested in Jarrad Branthwaite. Insider Pete O’Rourke states: “Clubs are continuing to have a look at Branthwaite because he’s a top player.” He also said Everton are “relaxed” because the defender is under contract until 2031. The report said it would take in the region of £80million for a club to prise Branthwaite away from Everton.
Alexander-Arnold return not imminent
The report said one source has suggested Liverpool are not interested in reuniting with Trent Alexander-Arnold. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague said Alexander-Arnold has “no intention of leaving” Real Madrid, where he intends to keep fighting for a place in Jose Mourinho’s side. Football Insider has also recently reiterated there is little chance of Alexander-Arnold leaving Real Madrid, adding that he has no imminent plans to explore a return to Liverpool, though he is unlikely to ever rule out a return and remains part of Jose Mourinho’s plans for now under a contract until 2031.
Vuskovic on Liverpool radar
TEAMtalk reported that Luka Vuskovic is on Liverpool’s radar and that Brighton will have sizeable demands. Pete O’Rourke said: “It will take a huge fee to even make Brighton entertain losing him, which they’re not. They want to keep hold of him.” He also said: “There’s been talk of Real Madrid also being interested in Vuskovic, and I’m sure Liverpool, as well as a lot of the top guns, are keeping tabs on the Croatian international.”