Liverpool are mired in uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate’s future, with the French centre-back but to signal a brand new contract amid rising curiosity from European powerhouses equivalent to Paris Saint-Germain and Actual Madrid.
The 25-year-old’s contract runs till the summer season of 2026, however his reluctance to increase has set off alarm bells at Anfield, forcing the membership’s bosses to activate an emergency succession plan for certainly one of their most necessary gamers.
When on kind, Konate is a central determine within the Reds’ defensive construction, forming a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk.
Nevertheless, the participant’s reluctance to enter into new negotiations has left sporting director Richard Hughes and supervisor Arn Slott pondering the membership’s subsequent steps.
PSG have lengthy admired Konate and see him because the pure successor to Marquinhos, whereas Actual Madrid have him on their checklist of defensive candidates for 2026 as they appear to revamp their backline, sources near the company say. catch off aspect.
Liverpool’s defensive rebuild is already overdue and Konate’s unsure future may speed up the membership’s recruitment efforts.
The Reds have drawn up an inventory of three candidates.
1. Jeremy Jacquet (Rennes)
The frontrunner is Jeremy Jacquet, a 20-year-old French defender who is extremely rated by Rennes. Jacquet has been extensively scouted by Liverpool this season, with analysts impressed by his calmness and management qualities past his years. Sources near Rennes say Liverpool scouts attended a number of Ligue 1 matches and had been assured the teenager may develop right into a world-class operator beneath Slott’s steerage.
2. Marc Gehi (Crystal Palace)
One other title firmly on the radar is Marc Guehi, whose Premier League expertise and birthplace participant standing make him a pretty possibility. The 25-year-old England worldwide is without doubt one of the most constant defenders within the division and Liverpool see him as a direct accomplice for Van Dijk. Gehi is reportedly open to new challenges, and a contract may turn out to be a actuality within the close to future.
3. Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund)
Borussia Dortmund’s 26-year-old left-footed centre-back Niko Schlotterbeck stays on the shortlist. Identified for his technical capability and confidence in taking part in from the again, Schlotterbeck suits completely into Slot’s possession-based, high-pressing system. The participant’s ongoing contract dispute with Dortmund has not been observed at Anfield, with sources suggesting Liverpool may swoop in if talks break down additional.
Liverpool nonetheless need Konate to remain
Regardless of the contingency plan, Liverpool’s precedence stays extending Konate’s contract. The membership’s leaders consider he generally is a key a part of the protection for a few years to come back, particularly as Van Dijk approaches the twilight of his profession.
Nevertheless, with no progress in negotiations and rising curiosity from abroad, the Reds are getting ready for any consequence.
Sources near the membership insist there is no such thing as a instant panic, however the coming months will probably be decisive.
If no deal is reached by the summer season, Liverpool are anticipated to maneuver decisively in direction of certainly one of their finalists to make sure defensive stability forward of the 2026 season.
Liverpool have already got a alternative in thoughts if Mo Salah leaves in January
