Liverpool could look to strengthen the backline with a Premier League ever-present – but only if a key figure departs this summer
Liverpool monitoring Nathan Collins as defensive changes loom
Liverpool’s busy transfer window might not be slowing down anytime soon. According to TBR Football, the Reds are keeping a close eye on Brentford defender Nathan Collins, with the 24-year-old seen as a genuine option if there’s movement in Arne Slot’s defensive department.
The Republic of Ireland international has been one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders this past season. In fact, Collins was the only outfield player to feature in every single minute of Brentford’s 2024/25 league campaign, even managing to edge out Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who only missed one game.
Signed from Wolves for £23m last summer — a club-record deal for Brentford at the time — Collins has quickly cemented his place as a leader in both Thomas Frank’s side and Ireland’s national team. But unsurprisingly, that consistency has now started to attract serious interest from elsewhere.
Liverpool aren’t the only club watching developments. Tottenham, who of course now have Collins’ former boss Thomas Frank in charge, are believed to be strong admirers, while both Arsenal and Newcastle are also in the mix.
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Defensive reshuffle could open the door
For Liverpool, a move for Collins might depend on what happens with some of their current centre-backs:
Jarell Quansah has been linked with a potential move to Bayer Leverkusen.
Joe Gomez is reportedly attracting interest from other Premier League sides.
Ibrahima Konaté is believed to be unhappy over contract negotiations after struggling to secure a sizeable pay rise.
If any of those defenders do move on, Liverpool could turn to Collins as a solid, experienced option. At 24, he fits Liverpool’s recruitment model perfectly — young, proven in the Premier League, available every week, and still plenty of upside to grow under Slot.
Collins has already built up valuable experience across the English top-flight with Stoke, Burnley, Wolves and Brentford, and is seen by many scouts as a defender who could thrive at a higher level given his ability to read the game and lead from the back.
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Other defenders could still leave
It’s not just at centre-back where Liverpool could be active defensively. Kostas Tsimikas is being linked with a move away, while Andy Robertson’s long-term future remains a topic of discussion as he enters the final stages of his peak years.
Although nothing is advanced yet with Collins, Liverpool’s growing interest is one to watch if the expected domino effect starts to unfold over the coming weeks.
> TBR Football add: “They face stiff competition from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, who are also keen on signing the Irish star.”
With Jeremie Frimpong already through the door, and Armin Pecsi joining as a young goalkeeper, Liverpool are making moves across several positions. Collins could be next — but only if the pieces start to fall into place