Liverpool are on the lookout for a new centre-back or two to join them over the coming 12 months.
The Reds have a little problem developing in the backline, with Giovanni Leoni’s long-term knee injury throwing Arne Slot an early-season curveball.
Liverpool had signed Leoni to act as fourth-choice centre-back this season and to slowly clamber his way up the pecking order.
Having also seen a move for Marc Guehi fall through at the last possible moment this summer, the Reds are now looking light in defence.
As Rousing The Kop have exclusively revealed, Liverpool could sign two centre-backs in 2026, with one more established player and one younger, project signing likely to arrive.
Midtjylland’s Ousmane Diao is likely to be a name Liverpool’s scouts have come across during their search. If not, the 21-year-old has now put himself on the radar with some interesting comments about Reds forward Hugo Ekitike.
Ousmane Diao hails ‘incredible’ Hugo Ekitike
Midtjylland have been an excellent club for emerging African talents to make their first steps in Europe over recent years, and Diao is another of those to benefit from this.
The Senegalese talent actually joined the Danes from Portuguese second division team CD Mafra in 2024, and has quickly become a key player.
READ MORE: Liverpool will make an offer for Nico Schlotterbeck soon amid recent Arne Slot interest
Diao has scored two Europa League goals already this season, despite being a centre-back, and is emerging as a young defender to keep an eye on.
And, as it turns out, he is a big fan of Liverpool’s No. 22. Asked by French outlet Footmercato to name the toughest opponent of his career so far, Diao picked Ekitike and also revealed a wish to play alongside the Frenchman.
“Last year, against Frankfurt, there were a lot of good players like Ekitike, Marmoush, etc,” he said.
“But Hugo Ekitike was particularly difficult. Honestly, I would like to play with him in the future (laughs). His movement is incredible. He’s fast, technical… he’s very strong!”
Diao is one to keep a watch over for Liverpool
Centre-back is the obvious problem area for Liverpool ahead of the 2026 markets opening, and it is well worth for fans to keep an eye on any emerging young talents in this area.
No one would have heard of Leoni at this point last year, for example, the Italian had yet to even make his first team debut for Parma.
Meanwhile, Diao very much has played for Midtjylland, having already racked up his 50th appearance.
The Senegalese has Champions League experience already, and having scored nine goals in those 50 matches, he looks to be something of a goal-threat as well.
It may be a long-shot for Diao to see his dream of becoming Ekitike’s teammate come true, but he is certainly a player Liverpool fans should now get themselves familiar with.
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