Liverpool's right-back crisis has been brewing all season, and it's now reached a critical point for manager Arne Slot. What was once a position of strength has become a glaring weakness, with the Reds desperately searching for solutions.
The problems started when Jeremie Frimpong was brought in last summer to fill the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, the 25-year-old has proven to be more of a wing-back than a natural full-back, struggling to adapt to the defensive demands of the role. Compounding matters, Conor Bradley has endured another injury-plagued campaign, leaving Slot with minimal cover. The manager has been forced into creative solutions, with midfielders Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, and Dominik Szoboszlai all taking turns in the position—a clear sign of the depth issues at Anfield.
With the summer transfer window approaching, Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes is reportedly prioritizing a right-back signing. While Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries offers experience at 30 years old, questions remain over whether FSG would sanction a big-money move for a player approaching his peak years. Instead, the club appears to be targeting a younger, long-term option—and Newcastle's Tino Livramento has emerged as a leading candidate.
According to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs on the Born N' Red YouTube channel, the 23-year-old England international could be available this summer. "Liverpool have always had appreciation for Tino Livramento, who is capable of playing right-back and left-back," Jacobs stated. "He's a player I expect Newcastle United to put available on the market."
Livramento, valued at around £70 million, represents an exciting prospect. A product of Chelsea's academy, he joined Southampton before making a £30-32 million move to Newcastle in August 2023, signing a long-term deal until June 2028. His performances have since earned him a spot in the senior England setup.
On the pitch, Livramento is an athletic, attack-minded full-back who excels at carrying the ball forward and overlapping with energy. His direct dribbling style offers a dynamic option, and he's comfortable on either flank—a valuable asset for any squad. While he favors low cut-backs over high crosses, his defensive game relies on timing and recovery speed, though concentration can occasionally waver after his serious knee injury.
For Liverpool fans, Livramento's age, versatility, and potential make him an ideal candidate to solve the right-back puzzle. Whether the club is willing to meet Newcastle's asking price remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Slot's crisis needs a solution, and the summer window could bring the answer.