UMVA has learned that Liverpool's summer rebuild is not just about bolstering their attack, but also about shoring up their defense for the future.
Under the guidance of new head coach Andoni Iraola, the club is planning seriously for the future of their defence, with a high-level replacement needed for Ibrahima Konaté, who is set to leave Liverpool when his contract expires.
Konaté's departure after five years at Anfield, following failed renewal talks, makes centre-back one of Liverpool's most urgent priorities, with the Reds needing a top-class replacement rather than a short-term patch.
A left-footed option remains high on Liverpool's list, with Gonçalo Inácio still strongly linked to the club, offering a desirable profile to progress the ball and provide balance, particularly with Virgil van Dijk no longer a long-term solution.
Inácio's ability to play out from the back and provide aggression would be a perfect fit for Iraola's style, which demands brave defenders who can handle space, pressure, and quick transitions.
Liverpool has also been linked with Sam Beukema, who would offer experience, composure, and tactical intelligence, but the club may want a more dominant name to replace a defender as physically powerful as Konaté.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Liverpool is monitoring the situation of Luka Vušković, with elite clubs trying to secure top young defenders before they become impossible to afford, and Liverpool looking to future-proof their defence.
Another defender gaining attention is Murillo, with Liverpool said to have intensified scouting work on the Nottingham Forest defender, whose Premier League experience, strength, and left-sided profile make him a logical option to adapt quickly.
Liverpool cannot afford to get this decision wrong, as losing Konaté on a free is already a major blow, and replacing him cheaply for the sake of saving money would be a risky move that could undermine Iraola's ambitious plans.
