Liverpool’s transfer plan continues to draw attention across Europe as reports keep linking the Reds with some of the most talented defenders in modern football. After months of scouting, analyzing, and evaluating, a new name has now joined the list of potential targets. It is a name that is making quiet but strong waves — Zeno Debast, the young Belgian defender who has been catching attention with his calmness, his passing, and his rare maturity for a 21-year-old. Liverpool, who have been chasing Marc Guehi for months, are now said to be looking at Debast as a serious alternative. This new direction shows something about Arne Slot’s clear plan for the future — a defence built on intelligence, control, and technical excellence.
For months, Liverpool fans have heard the story of Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace defender has been one of England’s most reliable and composed centre-backs. His strength, leadership, and calmness under pressure make him the kind of player any top manager would love to work with. Liverpool’s scouts have been monitoring him since early 2024, and the interest has never faded. Even though January was initially seen as a possible time to strike a deal, sources close to the club now believe that summer could be a more realistic window. The reason is simple — Crystal Palace are not ready to lose one of their best players midway through the season, especially with their Premier League campaign still alive.
But in football, one door often leads to another. And now, reports from Portugal claim that Liverpool have opened a new file — the file of Zeno Debast. The young Belgian, currently shining at Sporting Lisbon, has become a player to watch. Portuguese outlets and Belgian media have both said the same thing — Liverpool are keeping an eye on him. They describe him as a centre-back with “excellent passing ability” and “exceptional game reading.” Interestingly, his development is linked to his earlier days in midfield, where he learned how to control possession, read the flow of the game, and move the ball quickly and accurately. That makes him a modern defender — one who doesn’t just defend but also builds play from the back.
Inside Liverpool’s transfer team, there’s a clear admiration for that type of player. Since Arne Slot arrived at Anfield, the message has been consistent — he wants defenders who can play, not just clear the ball. He wants centre-backs who can handle the ball under pressure, start attacks, and even step into midfield when needed. It’s no surprise that names like Debast and Guehi fit perfectly into that vision. Both are young, both are leaders in their own ways, and both understand the balance between defending with heart and playing with intelligence.
Sporting Lisbon, however, are not easy to negotiate with. They are known for protecting their best players with long contracts and high release clauses. Debast still has four years left on his deal, which means Sporting hold all the power. If Liverpool truly want him, they will have to pay big money — something that has become normal in today’s market. But Liverpool’s recent scouting suggests they are serious. They see Debast not just as an alternative to Guehi, but as a long-term investment who could anchor their defence for the next decade.
Portuguese newspapers even added more spice to the story by mentioning that Sporting’s Ousmane Diomande, Newcastle’s Sven Botman, and PSG’s Willian Pacho are also on Liverpool’s radar. It’s clear that the Reds want to refresh their backline and prepare for the next generation after Virgil van Dijk. The Dutch captain is still at the top of his game, but the club knows the importance of planning ahead. They don’t want to wait for a decline — they want to build the next strong defence while the current one is still performing.
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Some reports also claim that other clubs are now watching Debast. Manchester United, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, and Napoli have all been mentioned. That makes the story even more interesting. When multiple top clubs start circling one player, it often means something big is about to happen. Liverpool will need to move smartly, as they have done before, using their project and reputation to convince the player that Anfield is the right destination for his growth.
While all these transfer updates continue, other stories around Liverpool keep unfolding. Mohamed Salah, the King of Egypt, continues to break records. During the recent international break, Salah made history again. He became the African player with the most goals in World Cup qualifying history. Egypt secured their place in the 2026 tournament, and Salah was at the centre of it all. It means the Liverpool star will have two major tournaments in six months — the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup. His ability to maintain such consistency for club and country remains unbelievable. Every goal he scores seems to write a new chapter in football history.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise has also entered Liverpool’s orbit. According to journalist Lewis Steele, Olise “could definitely be an option in the summer,” especially as Liverpool start thinking about life after Salah. The French-born winger, now playing for Bayern, has the creativity, pace, and technique that Liverpool always value in wide players. It’s a long-term thought, but it shows how Liverpool’s recruitment team never stop planning.
Back at Anfield, Alexis Mac Allister’s situation has caused a little worry. Argentina’s final international match was moved to a different state in the USA, and also by a day. That change could affect Mac Allister’s availability for Liverpool’s next match against Manchester United. Arne Slot might have to make a late decision. The timing of international fixtures is something managers hate because it can mess with preparation, and Slot will be hoping that Mac Allister returns in time without fatigue or injury.
As for Ibrahima Konate, the French defender continues to train separately from the main group in France camp. Reports say he hasn’t shown any discomfort, which is a positive sign. Liverpool fans will be praying that he returns fit, especially with important matches coming up. Injuries have always been part of Konate’s story, but his talent is undeniable. When he’s fit, he’s one of the most powerful and dominant defenders in Europe.
The talk about Liverpool’s defence is no surprise. After all, in the last few years, the team has faced different challenges — from injuries to tactical changes. Slot wants to build a stable and modern backline, one that can handle high pressing, play from the back, and dominate in both boxes. The likes of Van Dijk and Joe Gomez have experience, but the club knows they need younger blood. That’s why players like Guehi and Debast have become so valuable.
Liverpool have also been monitoring player minutes carefully. After a crazy run of seven games in 21 days, Joanna Durkan from This Is Anfield pointed out that Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai played every minute in six of those matches, totaling 540 minutes. They have been the consistent warriors of this Liverpool side. Behind them, Ryan Gravenberch followed with 512 minutes. Those numbers show how heavily Slot has relied on certain key players.
However, it also raises concerns. With international duty adding more load, fatigue could become a problem. Slot knows that he has to manage his squad carefully. Players like Mac Allister, Alexander Isak, and Conor Bradley were given rest at certain times due to their disrupted summers. The Liverpool manager has been careful not to push them too hard too soon. It’s a delicate balance — to win games, you need your best players, but to go through a long season, you need to protect them.
Outside Liverpool, the football world also keeps spinning with its own drama. Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans has been ruled out for another five weeks with a calf injury. That means he will miss the upcoming clash with Liverpool on November 1. Over in Spain, Burnley’s owners have completed the takeover of La Liga side Espanyol as part of their multi-club model, while Manchester United’s hierarchy have decided to give their manager, Ruben Amorim, three full years to prove himself despite a worrying record of 21 defeats in 50 games. It seems patience is now the theme at Old Trafford.
Liverpool’s history was also remembered on October 9, a day that once marked something special. Back in 1957, Liverpool were part of a historic event at Goodison Park when floodlights were used for the first time. It was part of the 75th anniversary of the Liverpool County FA, and the match between Everton and Liverpool became so popular that it started an annual friendly known as the Floodlit Challenge Cup. The games attracted massive crowds, with over 58,000 spectators packing Goodison for the first leg. Everton won that match 2–0, but Liverpool bounced back to win the second leg 3–2. It’s a reminder of how much football has changed and how far the game has come in almost 70 years.
Looking at the current Liverpool squad, there’s excitement, pressure, and expectation. The team has quality in every area, but the feeling around Anfield is that another solid defender is needed. With Real Madrid still showing interest in one or two players, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool might have to make defensive reinforcements sooner than planned. The club does not want to be caught unprepared if a big transfer happens.
The idea of signing Debast, therefore, fits perfectly into the club’s long-term strategy. He’s young, hungry, and already has experience at the top level with Belgium and Sporting. Scouts describe him as mature beyond his years, calm even in difficult situations, and confident enough to carry the ball into midfield. He’s the kind of player who would thrive in Slot’s system, which relies heavily on building play from the back and maintaining control under pressure.
If Liverpool can land Debast, it will not only secure the future but also send a message — that the club continues to attract top talent and that the rebuild under Slot is serious. The transfer market is competitive, and other clubs will also make their moves, but Liverpool’s structure and reputation remain one of the strongest in Europe.
At the same time, fans are realistic. They know that football is unpredictable. Sometimes, a deal looks close and then fades away. Other times, a new name appears out of nowhere and becomes the story of the season. But what gives hope to supporters is how organized the current management is. Every move seems calculated, every decision seems linked to the bigger picture.
As the January window slowly approaches, Liverpool’s eyes are on multiple fronts — performances on the pitch, player fitness, contract extensions, and transfer possibilities. Zeno Debast may be the new name in headlines, but the mission is bigger than one player. It’s about building a team that can compete for titles not just this season, but for many years ahead.
Football is about timing, and Liverpool are trying to get theirs right. They’ve learned from the past, and they’re preparing for the future. With Salah breaking records, Van Dijk leading the line, and Slot shaping a new tactical identity, the club stands at another exciting point in its journey. Whether it’s Guehi, Debast, or someone else, the message is clear — Liverpool are planning, preparing, and pushing for greatness again.
Anfield waits. The fans wait. The next chapter is being written quietly behind the scenes — and as history has shown, when Liverpool plan something carefully, it usually leads to something unforgettable
