Liverpool’s early-season form has taken a worrying dip, with three consecutive defeats across all competitions and five goals conceded during that stretch.

After a near-perfect start to the campaign, the defensive vulnerabilities that have plagued the Reds in recent seasons appear to have resurfaced.

Defensive Concerns Mounting

Captain Virgil van Dijk has struggled to maintain his usual commanding performances at the back, while Ibrahima Konaté’s inconsistency has left manager Arne Slot with few reliable options.

The situation worsened when promising youngster Giovanni Leoni suffered an ACL injury, ruling him out for close to a year.

With Van Dijk now in his thirties and the squad stretched thin in central defence, Liverpool are expected to move decisively in January to reinforce their backline.

According to talkSPORT, Sporting Lisbon duo Ousmane Diomande and Zeno Debast have emerged as strong candidates on the club’s shortlist.

Transfer Targets and Valuations

Transfermarkt currently values Diomande at around £39 million, while his teammate Debast is estimated at £26 million.

Given these figures, Liverpool could potentially strengthen their defence without breaking the bank, especially compared to the soaring prices of Premier League-based targets.

However, sources suggest Diomande is viewed internally as the more realistic signing for January.

The Ivorian defender’s contract with Sporting runs until June 2027, but Liverpool are aware his value may soon begin to plateau, making the winter window an ideal time for negotiations.

Why Ousmane Diomande is the Priority

Sporting Lisbon may see this window as their best opportunity to cash in on Diomande while still commanding a healthy fee.

The 21-year-old’s combination of physical power, composure on the ball, and aerial presence has made him one of the most sought-after young defenders in Europe.

Standing over six feet tall, Diomande’s ability to step out from defence and play progressive passes suits Arne Slot’s system perfectly.

His athleticism would also help Liverpool counter the high defensive line that has been exploited at times this season.

At just 21, he offers both immediate quality and long-term potential, fitting Liverpool’s recent recruitment model of investing in young, high-ceiling talent capable of developing into elite-level players under the right guidance.

Liverpool’s January Strategy

The Reds spent heavily in the summer to revamp their midfield, which could limit their flexibility in the winter market.

Still, the severity of their defensive issues may force the club’s hand, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Van Dijk’s long-term durability.

There is also the question of timing around Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who remains a long-term target but would likely only become available next summer.

That leaves Diomande as the most accessible and strategically sound option for January.

If Sporting are open to selling, and Liverpool are prepared to meet their asking price, a deal could move quickly once the window opens.

The addition of Diomande would not only provide much-needed depth but could also signal the start of a gradual defensive rebuild at Anfield.

Looking Ahead

For Arne Slot, stabilising the defence will be crucial to keeping Liverpool’s title hopes alive in the second half of the season.

A signing like Diomande — young, dynamic, and tactically adaptable — could be exactly what the club needs to re-establish the defensive solidity that once defined their success under Jurgen Klopp.

Whether the deal materialises in January will depend on Liverpool’s willingness to act boldly in the market, but with the team’s current trajectory, decisive reinforcement may no longer be optional.