Liverpool’s centre-back transfer plans plunged into further mystery after latest Saudi signing

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Liverpool supporters have little reason to be disappointed with their summer transfer business so far.

The Reds have been one of the most active teams in Europe, snapping up four fantastic, major signings.

That number is likely to swell further as Liverpool continue to pursue a deal to sign Alexander Isak.

Should Arne Slot buy Isak and break the British transfer record for a second time this summer, fans can hardly complain at all.

Nevertheless, despite all their good work, the Liverpool squad still has one very glaring deficiency heading towards the new season.

After selling Jarell Quansah, Slot has only three senior centre-backs to call upon, with one of them – Joe Gomez – already injured. The Reds clearly need to do something in the transfer market, but as they continue to wait, another target has slipped away.

Nathan Zeze joins Neom FC

As they aim to replace Quansah, word has been that Liverpool are targeting a young centre-back in the 18-22 age bracket.

With that in mind, Rousing The Kop had been informed that Nantes defender Nathan Zeze was one of those in Liverpool’s thoughts.

Zeze had a breakout campaign in Ligue 1 last season and looked to have all the tools to make the jump to a club like Liverpool. He was a good candidate.

However, surprising news arrived on Thursday as the 20-year-old signed for Saudi Pro League side Neom FC.

READ MORE: Liverpool should be on alert as Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke opens door to transfer

While there was never a clear suggestion that Zeze was at the top of Liverpool’s list, the move adds further mystery to exactly who Slot wants as his newest centre-back.

Cristhian Mosquera was another player Liverpool were keeping close tabs on, but with the Spaniard since joining Arsenal, the Reds’ options are growing more limited.

Who do Liverpool really want?

Having let two young centre-back targets slip through their grasp, fans may be slightly bemused by Liverpool’s strategy this summer.

The excitement over moves for the likes of Florian Wirtz and Isak is all well and good, but there is a very clear issue that is in desperate need of attention.

The suggestion is that Liverpool surely have a top target in mind and that they will eventually sign a centre-back, perhaps even two in the next month.

But as they continue to let potential signings slip away unchallenged, the mystery of Liverpool’s defensive plan is growing ever more unclear.

Isak appears to be taking priority for now, but the Reds must make their move sooner rather than later.