Does Liverpool Have a Plan for Virgil van Dijk’s Replacement? Insights on Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni
Virgil van Dijk is entering the final year of his deal with Liverpool, set to become a free agent in the summer of 2027. Questions have been raised about who will step up once the Dutch defender, a pillar of the Reds’ backline for nearly a decade, moves on. Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has suggested the club might already have options lined up.
Van Dijk’s Impact at Anfield
Van Dijk has been central to Liverpool’s recent success, helping them secure two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. The 35-year-old, who ranks highly in Ballon d’Or standings, is expected to surpass 400 appearances for the club before he departs. His leadership and defensive skills remain crucial as Liverpool navigate a challenging season defensively.
Emerging Talents: Jacquet and Leoni
Two young defenders are seen as potential successors. French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet joined Liverpool from Rennes in a £55 million ($74 million) deal and has adapted well to the squad. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Italian defender Giovanni Leoni showed promise in Serie A before suffering an ACL injury during his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup, sidelining him for nearly a year.
Is There a Clear Successor?
Warnock weighed in on whether Jacquet or Leoni could fill Van Dijk’s shoes, saying:
“Possibly. It’s tough replacing someone like Van Dijk. Both have shown promise, especially Leoni with his performances in Italy. But as they grow, there will be pressure and expectations comparing them to Van Dijk. Centre-backs need to read the game well and improve positioning, which comes with experience.”
“There are many factors that affect this progression – injuries, form, and even the weight of wearing the Liverpool shirt. When Van Dijk arrived, he fit perfectly into a strong team, alongside Alisson. Currently, Liverpool are in a transition phase, which can be challenging.”
Current Season and Upcoming Fixtures
Jacquet has yet to record a clean sheet this season as Liverpool have drawn 2-2 with both Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. The Reds will look for their first win in the new campaign when they visit newly-promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
- Next Match: Ipswich Town vs Liverpool
- Date: 4 September 2026
- Competition: Premier League
- Kick-off: 21:00
