What Liverpool's two new summer signings mean for Arne Slot's current squad

Liverpool has already agreed deals for two new center-backs ahead of the summer transfer window, with Jeremy Jacquet and Ifeanyi Ndukwe set to join the Reds and impact the futures of some players

Arne Slot is already set to add two new players to his Liverpool squad(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Liverpool has shown evidence of its forward-thinking approach at center-back. The Reds will be preparing for the summer transfer window but have already secured two new players for the heart of their defense.

The club attracted attention with their high-profile acquisitions of the likes of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak last summer, though arguably left themselves light at center-back. Arne Slot's side failed to finalize a late move for then-Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi following a protracted summer-long transfer saga.

Highly-rated youngster Giovanni Leoni was signed from Parma but the teenager sadly ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament on his debut in September, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. As a result, Liverpool has had to lean heavily on Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate's partnership, with Joe Gomez periodically stepping in.

Nevertheless, Slot is poised to have two new options available next term, which will have implications for the aforementioned players. The most significant new arrival will be Jeremy Jacquet, who agreed a £60 million ($79M) transfer from Rennes in February, while Austria Wien prospect Ifeanyi Ndukwe will also be moving to Anfield in the summer.

The acquisitions of Jacquet, 20, and Ndukwe, 18, may symbolize the future of Liverpool's defense, but their inclusion will spark further speculation about the club's existing center-backs. Virgil van Dijk continues to be a near-constant fixture for Slot's team and the seasoned defender has shown little evidence of waning, yet a succession strategy for the 34-year-old is essential, reports the Mirror.

Jeremy Jacquet agreed to join Liverpool during the January transfer window(Image: Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

The Liverpool captain has just over a year remaining on his contract and could provide guidance to Jacquet during his inaugural season at the club. Teaming up with Van Dijk could be immensely advantageous for the France U21 international, who is currently recuperating from a shoulder injury he suffered in February.

Moreover, if Van Dijk consents to an extension, having a robust succession plan ready will be priceless as he approaches the twilight years of his career. Meanwhile, the spot next to the Reds' captain will become vacant if Konate fails to negotiate a new contract of his own with the club.

The 26-year-old was revealed to be in discussions with the club last month about potentially prolonging his five-year tenure, with his current contract due to expire this summer. Konate has had a varied season thus far, with Liverpool's lack of competition for positions apparent during his periods of subpar performance.

The circumstances were worsened by the Reds' previous unsuccessful pursuit of Guehi, who ultimately moved to rivals Manchester City during the January transfer window, while Jacquet won't join Liverpool until the summer. The Rennes star will be confident in his ability to break into Slot's side regardless of whether his compatriot remains at Anfield.

In contrast, new signing Ndukwe is expected to fulfil a separate function within the squad. The 18-year-old represents more of a future academy prospect, given he has yet to feature for Austria Wien's senior team, having been a consistent performer for their second string in the nation's second division this season.

Ifeanyi Ndukwe is set to join Liverpool in the summer(Image: Jurij Kodrun - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The Austria U18 international will be targeting progression ahead of both Gomez and Leoni in Liverpool's hierarchy. Gomez stands as the club's longest-serving member and operates as a rotation choice. The 28-year-old provides versatility as a squad member, with his deal extending until 2027, though Ndukwe may restrict his playing time.

Leoni's subsequent return from injury will introduce another intriguing dimension next campaign. The 19-year-old warranted a substantial transfer sum, notwithstanding his modest experience, and appeared destined to feature regularly prior to his setback.

Nevertheless, Jacquet's signing will influence Leoni's opportunities and questions remain regarding his performance upon full recovery. The Italian defender's unavailability might present Ndukwe with an opening to establish himself and feature in the senior squad's considerations.