Arne Slot Under Fire as Liverpool Spend £270m but Leave Defence Exposed

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has found himself at the center of growing scrutiny following a high-profile injury that has once again exposed the lack of depth in the Reds’ defensive line.

The Reds have been one of the most active Premier League clubs in the transfer market this summer, but questions are mounting over whether enough has been done to secure their backline ahead of a taxing season.

Despite spending nearly £270 million ($362.8 million) on a host of attacking talent, including Hugo Ekitiké, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez, Liverpool have yet to sign a central defender.

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This absence was laid bare during the team’s recent 4–2 friendly defeat to AC Milan, where Arne Slot was forced to start midfielder Ryan Gravenberch in defence alongside Virgil van Dijk.

Slot, however, brushed aside the concerns. “I don’t think we have a concern at centre back,” the Dutch coach sniffed as per FotMob.

“Ryan showed he can play that position—he did it well, although we favour him as a No. 6. Wataru Endo can play there [centre back].”

The options behind Liverpool’s first-choice pairing of Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté appear alarmingly thin.

Joe Gomez missed the AC Milan clash due to a minor Achilles injury, an all-too-familiar theme in his Liverpool career, while Konaté only featured in the second half.

With Jarell Quansah sold to Bayer Leverkusen and 24-year-old Rhys Williams returning from a tough loan spell at Morecambe, the depth chart reads worryingly shallow.

Slot remained optimistic when questioned on the issue, but his comment hinted at possible reinforcements. “So we have enough options but it is true that Jarell Quansah left and we haven’t replaced him yet.”

The lack of credible backup at the heart of defence has left supporters anxious, particularly with the season just weeks away.

Although Endo and Gravenberch offer emergency cover, neither is a natural centre back. And with Van Dijk entering the twilight of his career, Liverpool’s apparent reluctance to act in the market is causing concern.

One name persistently linked with the club is Crystal Palace vice-captain Marc Guéhi.

The England international is reportedly on Liverpool’s radar as a long-term heir to Van Dijk and could arrive this summer as a high-profile reinforcement.

However, Liverpool face stiff competition from Tottenham Hotspur, who are also in the market for defensive stability.

Guéhi’s price tag is expected to be around £45 million ($61.8 million), a fee that would require further commitment from the Anfield board.

Slot’s willingness to place faith in makeshift defenders contrasts sharply with Liverpool’s traditionally robust recruitment policy, which in recent years has carefully balanced immediate needs with future planning.