Liverpool’s right-back situation is shaping up to be one of Arne Slot’s first major calls, and it could lead to an early departure this summer.
Slot is expected to make changes to the squad as he begins work at Anfield, and the club’s depth on the right side of defence is already under the spotlight. Trent Alexander-Arnold remains the clear first choice, but Liverpool have lacked a dependable, specialist alternative when he is injured, rested or used in a different role.
That issue has forced Liverpool into short-term solutions in recent seasons, with players being moved across from other positions to cover. However, the new head coach is believed to want a cleaner structure, built around clear roles rather than constant reshuffling.
With that in mind, Liverpool are weighing up a “proper” No. 2 right-back option—either by recruiting one or by committing to a single internal candidate. The problem for the current group is that more than one player has been used there without truly locking down the job, leaving at least one on shaky ground heading into the new campaign.
One of the names most likely to be affected is Joe Gomez. The England defender has been a valuable utility player under Jürgen Klopp, filling in across the back line whenever needed, including at right-back. But the arrival of a new coach often changes priorities, and Slot may prefer defenders who are more settled in their natural positions.
If Liverpool decide to bring in a specialist deputy for Alexander-Arnold, it would squeeze Gomez’s minutes even further, especially with competition also strong at centre-back. That scenario has sparked fresh talk that the 27-year-old could consider his options if a clearer pathway to regular football is not on offer.
Gomez has previously been linked with interest from Premier League rivals, and there is a sense this summer could be the moment Liverpool are open to a sale—particularly if it helps fund new arrivals for Slot’s first rebuilding phase. Liverpool are not thought to be actively pushing him out, but the club are expected to be more decisive about squad roles than they have been in the past.
For Slot, the decision is a practical one. Alexander-Arnold’s importance to Liverpool’s style is huge, and the team’s balance often shifts dramatically when he is missing. Having a reliable alternative would protect Liverpool over a long season and reduce the need to compromise elsewhere on the pitch.
The coming weeks will offer clearer answers on Liverpool’s plan, but the direction is becoming obvious: fix the right-back depth properly, and accept that it could mean a first notable exit of the Slot era.
