Liverpool’s Future at Centre-Back: Are Jacquet and Leoni the Next in Line for Van Dijk?

Virgil van Dijk is entering the final year of his contract at Liverpool, which means he could leave on a free transfer in the summer of 2027. This raises the question: does Liverpool have a plan ready to replace their defensive leader?

Former Reds defender Stephen Warnock shared with GOAL that the club might already be grooming successors, with promising talents Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni showing potential as future mainstays in the back line.

The End of an Era for Van Dijk

After nearly a decade at Anfield, Van Dijk’s departure will leave a significant gap. The Dutch centre-back has been a rock for Liverpool, contributing to two Premier League titles, a Champions League victory, and coming close to winning the Ballon d’Or. The 35-year-old is expected to reach over 400 appearances before he moves on.

Current Season and Defensive Challenges

Despite his age, Van Dijk remains crucial this season, organizing a defense that has struggled at times. New full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez are still adapting, while loan signing Ronald Araujo vies for consistent playing time.

Jacquet, signed from Rennes for £55 million ($74 million), has integrated smoothly into the team. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Italian Leoni earned praise for his performances before suffering an ACL injury on his Liverpool debut in a Carabao Cup match against Southampton, sidelining him for almost a year.

Will Jacquet and Leoni Step Up?

Warnock commented on whether these young defenders can fill Van Dijk’s shoes:

"Possibly. Replacing a player like Van Dijk is tough. Both Jacquet and Leoni have shown promise, especially Leoni with his reputation in Serie A, even if he’s only had one game here. But as they grow, they’ll face pressure about living up to Van Dijk’s legacy."

"It’s about how they develop until around age 26 or 27, when you really learn to read the game better and improve positioning. That’s key for a centre-half. Injuries, form, and the weight of the shirt all come into play, as does the club’s situation."

"When Van Dijk joined, alongside Alisson, it completed the puzzle for Liverpool’s strong system. Now, the club is going through a transitional phase, which can be challenging for players."

Upcoming Matches and Current Form

Jacquet, known for his composure and ball control, is still chasing his first clean sheet for Liverpool. So far, the team has drawn 2-2 against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest in the early matches of the 2026-27 Premier League season.

Liverpool will next face newly promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Friday, aiming for their first win of the campaign under Andoni Iraola.

• Premier League Fixture: Ipswich Town vs Liverpool
• Date: 4 September 2026
• Kick-off: 21:00