Liverpool eye Ezri Konsa as defensive fix; Zabarnyi also on radar

Liverpool have been forced into emergency action on the transfer market after Joe Gomez picked up an injury during a pre-season friendly. The Reds have identified Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa as their primary target to add depth and reliability to the backline. Konsa, 28, offers valuable versatility - comfortable both in central defence and at right-back. But prying him away from Villa Park won't be easy, with Arsenal also monitoring the situation closely. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool's scouting department has also noted Ukrainian international Illia Zabarnyi as an alternative. Konsa enjoyed a stellar 2025/26 campaign, featuring 48 times across all competitions for Aston Villa, scoring two goals, and playing a pivotal role in the club's Europa League triumph. He also made eight appearances at this summer's World Cup for England, scoring in the third-place playoff against France - a header from Declan Rice's cross that helped Thomas Tuchel's side secure bronze with a 6-4 victory. While Zabarnyi remains on the expanded shortlist, the Merseyside club are pushing hardest for Konsa, whose experience and adaptability make him the ideal solution to their defensive crisis.