Liverpool need to sign a right-back in the next 12 months, that is clear.
Conor Bradley remains sidelined by an injury he picked up in January and the Reds’ only other natural option, Jeremie Frimpong, was forced off the field injured only six minutes after being subbed on against Brentford on Saturday.
Andoni Iraola has been utilising loanee Ronald Araujo as a makeshift right-back, and Joe Gomez could deputise in this role, but neither feel like sustainable long-term options.
With Frimpong’s future at the club in doubt also, it seems certain the recruitment team at Anfield will make a move for a right-back either in January or in the summer, and the perfect option is waiting for Liverpool.
Michael Kayode is the answer to Liverpool’s right-back problem
Right-back has been a problem position at Anfield ever since Trent Alexander-Arnold swapped Merseyside for Madrid in 2025.
Last season Bradley, Frimpong, Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones all shared minutes in the position, with injuries being a frequent occurrence.
Liverpool need to find a suitable long-term replacement who can make the position their own, and the perfect candidate lined up against Iraola’s side on Saturday.
Michael Kayode has been one of the most promising young fullbacks in the Premier League since he joined Brentford in 2025, and his upward trajectory has continued this season.
The Italian defender impressed against Iraola’s side, despite his team suffering a 2-1 defeat.
The 22-year-old won eight of his nine ground duels and made six defensive contributions, putting on a display that will no doubt have caught the eye of Liverpool’s recruitment team.
His age and his Premier League experience make him the perfect candidate as the Reds look to strengthen then defensive unit, and the fact that the Italian has missed barely any game time due to injury in his career is also a massive boost.
Valued at €62.7 million (~£53m) by FootballTransfers, Kayode would represent a significant investment in January, but he could fix a problem at Liverpool for the next decade.
With his displays continuing to impress, Kayode will definitely be on the shortlist for the Reds’ recruitment team.