Arne Slot promises 'unbelievable' center-back will play for Liverpool in 2026

Liverpool has made a rocky start to 2026, with uninspiring draws against Leeds and Fulham, but Arne Slot has reminded observers about an upcoming positive in defense

Arne Slot has given Liverpool a reason to be cheerful in the new year.(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Liverpool fans with an especially optimistic outlook will tell you that not only has the team started 2026 unbeaten, but that this run now stretches to nine games in all competitions. But the truth is that it does not really feel like that.

If Arne Slot deserves credit for something, it's that the back line has looked at least a little less vulnerable in recent weeks. But the 3-3 draw with Leeds in early December and the 0-0 against the same opponent on New Year's Day ultimately yielded the same outcome: two cheap points dropped.

And the defensive vulnerabilities are never far away, either. While Liverpool could not account for the incredible Fulham equalizer in the 2-2 draw, the first goal was all too easy, with an admittedly clever flick around the corner catching Virgil van Dijk too deep to keep Harry Wilson offside.

The worst part about this uninspiring run is that it's hard to pinpoint exactly what needs fixing. Certainly, there is no silver bullet that will transform the team's fortunes, with all departments appearing somewhat lackluster.

But if there is anything to be learned from Arsenal's title tilt, it is surely that the defense needs to be the first priority. Even the misfiring Liverpool attack has typically been finding the net at least once, which would be enough to deliver scrappy wins more often than not if the back line were more reliable.

While Slot has made tactical tweaks to this end with some degree of success, it's likely that the big fixes will have to come from new personnel. Regardless of where you assess Van Dijk's level this season (and some of the criticism has been too harsh), there's no avoiding the fact that there needs to be a medium-term succession plan.

And even with his personal improvement, there are still big questions over Ibrahima Konate. The first one is whether he intends to sign a new deal to keep him at Anfield beyond the end of the campaign.

Beyond that, it's still not a foregone conclusion that he is of the requisite quality. He's excellent in the air, but not always as convincing in ground duels, and a far cry from Joel Matip when it comes to build-up play.

Some of Liverpool's solutions could be in the market. It's well-known that it remains keen on Marc Guehi after its summer pursuit collapsed at the 11th hour, although competition is now more fierce.

But Slot has used his latest press conference to remind people that, regardless of transfer activity, Liverpool will see a fresh face at center-back in 2026. Giovanni Leoni will return at some point this year, and his manager is backing him to play an important role.

Giovanni Leoni impressed on his Liverpool debut in September before being forced off with a devastating injury(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Signed last summer, Leoni was dealt a bitter blow when his debut ended in a cruel ACL injury. Prior to that, he had been one of the more impressive players on the pitch.

But while this period is bound to have been frustrating for both player and manager, Slot is confident the setback is temporary. He is planning for next season with Leoni key to his thinking:

"Joe Gomez is back, so that is a big help," said Slot, previewing his defensive options ahead of the Arsenal game. "No manager would tell you they are happy with only two CBs, but you have to look at the bigger picture, and we have signed an unbelievable player that is back next season in Giovanni Leoni.

"It is not that there is no limit to us spending. We have to do smart things."

This is a timely reminder. While Leoni's presence should not serve as a reason not to try and complete a move for Guehi (Liverpool wanted both in the summer, after all), there is little sense in going after someone who may be bumped down the pecking order within a matter of months by the Italian's return.

When Leoni returns for Liverpool, might it be to partner Marc Guehi?(Image: Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

Slot's timeline of "next season" for Leoni does not tell us anything especially new. But he is on the comeback trail, claiming recently that "the hardest part is over", and it seems certain that we will see him again in 2026.

Whenever his return does come, it's clear the "unbelievable" defender will have the faith of his manager. That's assuming that Slot remains at the helm for next season, of course.

Regardless of who is in charge, however, Slot has got this particular assessment correct. Leoni's return is definitely a bright spot on the horizon for Liverpool, with the 19-year-old a huge prospect for the not-too-distant future.