Liverpool's Future Defenders: Are Jacquet and Leoni the Next in Line?

Virgil van Dijk is entering the final year of his Liverpool contract, which expires in the summer of 2027. This raises questions about who will take over from the Dutch centre-back once he departs after nearly a decade at Anfield. Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has suggested there might already be plans for succession involving promising young players.

The Legacy of Van Dijk

Van Dijk’s impact on Liverpool has been immense, with two Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, and coming close to winning the Ballon d’Or. At 35 years old, the defender looks set to surpass 400 appearances before leaving the club. His leadership remains crucial this season, especially as Liverpool’s defense has struggled, partly due to inconsistent performances from full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. Loaned player Ronald Araujo is also competing for minutes.

Rising Stars: Jacquet and Leoni

French centre-half Jeremy Jacquet joined Liverpool from Rennes in a £55 million ($74 million) transfer and has quickly adapted to the team. Meanwhile, Italian teenager Giovanni Leoni, aged 19, had drawn praise in Serie A but suffered an ACL injury during his debut in a Carabao Cup match against Southampton and has been sidelined for nearly a year.

Will They Replace Van Dijk?

Warnock weighed in on whether Jacquet and Leoni could fill Van Dijk’s shoes. He said:

“Possibly. Replacing someone of Van Dijk’s caliber is very tough. Both Leoni and Jacquet show promise. Leoni impressed even after just one game, and there’s been good talk about him in Italy. But once you reach a certain level, the pressure mounts. People will start comparing them to Van Dijk, asking if they’re the heirs to his throne.”

“The key is how they develop by around 26 or 27 years old, when players usually gain a deeper understanding of the game and improve their positioning. It’s a tough position; you have to read the game well. There are many factors that affect a player’s progress—injuries, form, the weight of expectations, and the state of the club.”

“When Van Dijk arrived, alongside Alisson, they completed a strong Liverpool setup. Now, Liverpool are going through a transition, which can be challenging for defenders.”

Current Season and Upcoming Fixtures

Despite looking assured on the ball and moving smoothly, Jacquet is still waiting for his first clean sheet in competitive matches. Liverpool began the 2026-27 Premier League campaign with 2-2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. Their next fixture will be at home against newly promoted Ipswich Town, managed by Andoni Iraola, as they aim for their first win of the season.

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