By Rajes Anbalagan

Virgil van Dijk arrived at Liverpool from Southampton for a world-record fee of £75m, beating out the previous record set by Manchester City’s £52m for Benjamin Mendy. Why the steep fee? Jürgen Klopp had his heart set on the Dutch international to bolster the team’s defence in 2018 - a move that Newcastle legend, Alan Shearer, labelled as “desperate” and that the player was “not worth it at all”. 

Eight years on, the now-Captain Fantastic has more than proven his worth as a mainstay in the team’s back line. However, more recently, the team has definitely had trouble finding a reliable player to play alongside him. We take a look at how well the different centre-backs fared at Liverpool FC and how they’re doing today.

Nathaniel Philips (2019-2025)

Credit: Liverpool FC

Then: Nat’s journey at Liverpool started in the academy in 2016, a last-minute decision made after rejecting a scholarship from the University of North Carolina. A few years later, he was training with the first team and playing for the reserves. However, his time in 2019 and 2020 saw him being passed around between VfB Stuttgart and Liverpool. He finally made his debut for Liverpool in the PL in Oct 2020 and was experiencing sporadic success in his new role, even earning a Player of the Month award at the club, until a fractured cheekbone stopped him in his tracks. Despite wanting to leave Liverpool in 2022, he was sent out on unsuccessful loan spells at Bournemouth, Celtic, and Cardiff until the tides turned at Derby.

Now: In June 2025, after just 29 appearances for Liverpool, the 28-year-old left for West Bromwich Albion on a three-year deal. He’s started in 26/29 games for the club so far and has even scored 3 goals. 

Sepp van den Berg (2019-2024)

Credit: Brentford FC

Then: Sepp joined the Reds as a 17-year-old, being surprised by the team’s interest in him and was even eager to learn from fellow countryman Van Dijk. Unfortunately, he was dropped as quickly as he was signed, being demoted to the reserves after just four domestic cup appearances. This led to a steep decline in his mental health, affecting his morale and energy. He then went on mediocre loan stints at Preston North End, Schalke 04, and Mainz 05.

Now: Despite his ex-youth team manager, Arne Slot, requesting him to stay, Van den Berg went to Brentford in 2024 on a 5-year deal, in search of regular playing time, evidenced by his 29 starts that season.

Ben Davies (2021-2022)

Credit: The New York Times

Then: Van den Berg’s loan move to Preston was part of Ben Davies’ transfer from the club in Feb 2021. He was a shock signing amidst a centre-back injury crisis at Liverpool. However, Davies did not contribute to the team, aside from being on the bench for 6 months. He was promptly sent to Sheffield United on loan for a season, before being sold to Rangers for a profit. 

Now: Davies is on loan from Rangers at Oxford United for the 2025/2026 season, having only made one appearance.

Ozan Kabak 

Credit: Liverpool FC News

Then: Ozan was the second of the two centre back signings during the Centre back crisis as loan move from Schalke 04 , though his signature was viewed more as a panic signing rather than a long-term depth improvement. Kabak featured just 9 times for The Reds in all competitions before completing his loan period and returning to Schalke 04 in the summer, as Liverpool rejected the option to buy, which was set at approximately £18 million and could've risen to £26.5m with add-ons.

Now: After his short lived stint in front of the Kop, he then took on another loan move to an English side. This time it was Norwich City, where he made 11 appearances for The Canaries before being sold to Hoffenheim on his return for a fee in the region of €7M. After 3 years with Hoffenheim, he has made 65 appearances and even chipped in with 7 goals for the German side.

Rhys Williams (2019-)

Credit: Liverpool FC

Then: An academy graduate, Williams signed a long-term contract with the club at 19, following our league-winning season, and made 19 stellar appearances amidst the centre-back crisis. He then went on loans to Swansea, Blackpool, Aberdeen and Port Vale - all of which got cut short due to various reasons. His most recent loan to Morecambe was his most successful spell, having played first-team football for a season, despite the team heading into relegation.

Now: It wasn’t until this article that I realised he is still contracted to Liverpool, although that ends this year. He is currently training with our U21s.

Ibrahima Konaté (2021-)

Credit: Standard

Then: With just one professional season in France and 4 years in RB Leipzig, Konate joined Liverpool as a 22-year-old after Klopp spent a while following his progress. He joined with the intention of becoming the first choice alongside Van Dijk, despite stiff competition at the time.

Now: Konate has been a consistent starter for the team, with few injuries throughout his tenure here. However, recent rumours regarding his push to for a free transfer to Real Madrid, combined with faltering performances, have drawn significant criticism. Will Konate still be at the club next season?

Jarell Quansah (2021-2025)

Credit: Standard

Then: Another homegrown talent, Quansah started his time with Liverpool from just five years old, signing his first contract with the club in 2021. However, he failed to make quite the impression in the first team.

Now: One of the major questionable moves Slot made this season, with the lack of centre-backs, had to be the sale of Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. This decision was further questioned upon his impeccable performances for his new club.

Giovanni Leoni (2025-)

Credit: Standard