Former Liverpool captain Sami Hyypiä has sent a warning out to Arne Slot ahead of the new Premier League season.
The legendary Finn, who made 464 appearances for the club between 1999 and 2009, was part of the legendary treble-cup winning side of 2001 and earned the captain’s armband for the 2002–2003 season.
Under Rafa Benítez, Hyypiä forged a formidable partnership with Jamie Carragher and played a pivotal role in the miraculous 2005 Champions League triumph, including a memorable volley against Juventus.
Now, the former centre-back has warned that Liverpool are taking a gamble if they don’t sign another centre-back before the window closes.
Speaking in a recent interview, Hyypiä described allowing Jarell Quansah to leave before reinforcements are in place “a risk” and believes Arne Slot will need to strengthen his defence.
“I think it is good for Jarell to play every week [at Leverkusen].
I heard that we have a buy-back clause, so when he is playing every week and he develops, I think we can [bring him back].
if one year he plays there every week then maybe we can bring him back. But I guess this summer we still need one centre-back adding, so it will be interesting to see. It is probably a risk [to not sign another centre-back].”
Quansah, 22, joined the Bundesliga runners-up earlier this summer in a deal worth an initial £30 million, with a further £5 million in potential add-ons. While the defender is expected to benefit from regular football in Germany, his departure has left Slot with just three senior centre-backs — captain Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez.
However, with Gomez sent home from the Reds pre-season tour and sidelined with a minor achilles injury, that number is down to just two.
This has left head coach Slot improvising during pre-season, partnering Van Dijk with midfielder Ryan Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konate with left-back Kostas Tsimikas. Wataru Endo and Andy Robertson have also filled in at the role.
With the new season quickly approaching and Gomez’s fitness uncertain, Liverpool’s defensive depth is under scrutiny following leaky performances, resulting in 11 goals conceded in 6 games during pre-season. Hyypiä believes a new signing is essential to avoid being caught short.
“I would be a little bit surprised if we didn’t sign a centre-back.”
As the transfer deadline looms, Slot’s ability to strengthen at the back could be decisive in Liverpool’s push to defend their Premier League title and compete in Europe.
