With Ibrahima Konate’s contract yet to be resolved, Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on signing a Premier League star to replace the towering Frenchman.
Update on Liverpool's centre-back search
In less than nine months, Konate will become a free agent and follow in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s footsteps by leaving Anfield without a transfer fee. It will be yet another frustrating blow for Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, who should be desperate to keep hold of their central defender for years to come.
Whilst talks are ongoing about a new deal, the Reds are already planning for the worst and have reportedly identified a number of defenders who could arrive to replace Konate.
Top of that list is likely to be Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace star came within hours of becoming a Liverpool player on deadline day before the Eagles pulled the plug amid their failure to land a replacement.
When next summer arrives, however, those at Selhurst Park will be powerless to stand in the way of the defender’s departure, with his contract set to come to an end.
That should allow Liverpool to land a bargain deal, but it’s unlikely to be that simple. This time around, they’ll reportedly have competition from around the Premier League and familiar foes Real Madrid, which may force those at Anfield to expand their search.
The same can be said for Dayot Upamecano. Another centre-back who’s set to become a free agent if nothing changes before next summer, both Liverpool and Madrid are reportedly interested in securing his signature in a bargain deal from Bayern Munich.
Competing with Madrid in the transfer market rarely goes well for any club and Liverpool could be left with no choice but to look at another Premier League rival to replace Konate.
Liverpool now targeting Sven Botman
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are now targeting Sven Botman among others as they look to add a centre-back to their ranks next summer. The Newcastle United defender has often impressed during his time at St James’ Park and has found himself on the Reds’ radar as a result.
Convincing the Magpies to sell is unlikely to be an easy task, however, following the Alexander Isak saga in the summer. Eventually, Liverpool got their man and it’s easy to see a world in which Newcastle are still hurt by that lengthy ordeal.
There should also be concerns about Botman’s injury history. As impressive as the Dutchman is, the last thing that Liverpool need is another injury-prone defender alongside the likes of Joe Gomez.
Knee problems
48
24/25
Broken kneecap
30
24/25
Cruciate ligament surgery
269
23/24
Knee injury
79
23/24
So, whilst Eddie Howe went as far to describe Botman as “transformative”, there’s certainly a number of issues for Liverpool to think about before they make their move.