Liverpool target Arne Slot favourite to lead defensive rebuild

Liverpool have been tipped for a defensive refresh in the summer transfer market. There is ongoing uncertainty around all four first-choice defenders at present.

Most pressingly, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are out of contract in summer 2025. And Ibrahima Konate is reported to be seeking a massive pay rise, putting the Reds’ chances of renewing the Frenchman at risk.

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Andy Robertson, meanwhile, hasn’t been at his best this season with sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Arne Slot checking out several potential new left-backs.

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It could mean an extensive defensive overhaul at Anfield and a new report from Caught Offside claims Slot is ready to turn to an old favourite in order to help with the rebuild.

Chelsea and Liverpool in for Hancko

David Hancko, 27, has been on Liverpool’s radar stretching back to Jurgen Klopp’s days, and has the versatility to play at either left-sided centre-back or else left-back.

The Slovakian was a standout of Slot’s Feyenoord regime, winning an Eredivisie title and a KNVB Beker (Dutch cup) under him after joining from Sparta Prague in 2022.

The defender even admitted that he SPOKE to Slot after he joined Liverpool last summer, adding that the club were not in the market for a player of his profile.

Under contract until 2028, Hancko is expected to fetch €50 million in the transfer market this summer with his performances in the Eredivisie as well as the Champions League placing him on the radar of Europe’s top clubs.

Chelsea are now reported to be in contact over the terms of a summer deal while Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Tottenham have all been named as suitors.

Liverpool's key advantage over Chelsea

“As previously reported by CaughtOffside, Hancko is on the radar of big names like Chelsea, Tottenham, Juventus and Atletico Madrid,” a report states.

“Sources have now informed us that Liverpool can be added to that list, though Chelsea’s interest is perhaps the most advanced as things stand.”

This season Hancko has played 26 Dutch top-flight games, scoring three goals and adding two assists. Furthermore he was excellent in the Champions League, scoring against Manchester City and masterminding a 3-0 win against Bayern Munich.

Slot has previously been reported to be keen to reunite with Hancko at Anfield and Liverpool could have a CRUCIAL advantage over Chelsea in this transfer hunt.

“It will be interesting to see if he shows a preference towards Chelsea or Liverpool,” the report adds. “[He] could probably command more playing time at Stamford Bridge right now due to their lack of other options in defence.

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“However, a move to Anfield might be more tempting as Arne Slot’s side are surely about to win the Premier League.

“…at the moment it looks like Liverpool would be the better option than Chelsea.”