Liverpool are considering moves for both John Stones and Ezri Konsa as new head coach Andoni Iraola seeks to bolster his defensive options ahead of the new season, according to TEAMtalk. The club is reportedly reacting to a lack of experienced central defenders in pre-season, with injuries to Joe Gomez and the continued recovery of recent signings Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni exposing a shortage of cover.
Stones, a free agent after leaving Manchester City, is viewed as an especially appealing option, having impressed during the recent World Cup. The 32-year-old is also attracting interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, and clubs in Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League, but TEAMtalk reports he would be open to discussing a move to Anfield.
Alongside Stones, Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa has emerged as a genuine target. Liverpool value Konsa’s versatility, noting his ability to play both centre-back and right-back, a trait Iraola believes would provide valuable flexibility to the squad. Arsenal are also reportedly interested in Konsa, but Liverpool have now entered the race.
Further defensive options being monitored by Liverpool include Paris Saint-Germain’s Illia Zabarnyi, a player Iraola is familiar with from their time together at Bournemouth. The club also continues to track Chelsea’s Levi Colwill and Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven, though securing either player appears unlikely at this stage as both London clubs are currently unwilling to sell. Updates have also been received regarding Antonio Silva and Ousmane Diomande, though Silva is expected to join Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks for Diomande.
These moves signal a clear priority for Iraola to strengthen the heart of the Liverpool defence, particularly with Virgil van Dijk still on an extended break following the World Cup. Securing an experienced addition could provide stability and depth as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
