Liverpool had been plunged into uncertainty over the way forward for Ibrahima Konaté, with the French centre-back but to decide to a brand new deal amid mounting passion from Ecu giants Paris Saint-Germain and Actual Madrid.
The 25-year-old’s contract runs till the summer time of 2026, however his hesitation to increase has prompt alarm bells at Anfield, forcing the membership’s hierarchy to turn on an emergency succession plan for one among their maximum vital gamers.
Konaté has been a key determine within the Reds’ defensive construction when are compatible, forming an impressive partnership with Virgil van Dijk.
Then again, the participant’s reluctance to open recent negotiations have left carrying director Richard Hughes and supervisor Arne Slot considering the membership’s subsequent steps.
PSG are long-time admirers of Konaté, viewing him as a herbal successor to Marquinhos, whilst Actual Madrid have positioned him on their defensive shortlist for 2026 as they appear to refresh their backline, assets just about the brokers business have knowledgeable CaughtOffside.
With Liverpool’s defensive rebuild already past due, Konaté’s unsure long term may boost up the membership’s recruitment power.
Reds have drawn up a three-man shortlist
1. Jeremy Jacquet (Rennes)
The frontrunner is Jérémy Jacquet, Rennes’ extremely rated 20-year-old French defender. Jacquet has been widely scouted through Liverpool this season, with analysts inspired through his composure and management qualities past his years. Resources just about Rennes declare Liverpool scouts have been in attendance for more than one Ligue 1 fixtures, satisfied the teen may change into a world-class operator below Slot’s steering.
2. Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
Some other identify firmly at the radar is Marc Guéhi, whose revel in within the Premier League and standing as a homegrown participant make him an exquisite choice. The 25-year-old England world has been probably the most constant defenders within the department, and Liverpool view him as a ready-made spouse for Van Dijk. With Guéhi reportedly open to a brand new problem, a deal may change into lifelike quickly.
3. Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund)
Finishing the shortlist is Nico Schlotterbeck, the 26-year-old left-footed centre-back from Borussia Dortmund. Identified for his technical talent and self belief in taking part in out from the again, Schlotterbeck suits completely into Slot’s possession-based, high-pressing device. Ongoing contract problems between the participant and Dortmund have now not long gone omitted at Anfield, with insiders suggesting Liverpool may pounce if negotiations smash down additional.
Liverpool are nonetheless hopeful of retaining KonatéIbrahima Konate in motion for Liverpool (Picture through Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Photographs)
Regardless of contingency making plans, Liverpool’s precedence stays extending Konaté’s contract. The membership’s hierarchy imagine he is usually a cornerstone in their protection for years yet to come, in particular as Van Dijk approaches the twilight of his profession.
Then again, without a leap forward in talks and passion rising from out of the country, the Reds are getting ready for all results.
Resources just about the membership insist there is not any fast panic, however the upcoming months can be decisive.
If no settlement is reached earlier than the summer time window, Liverpool are anticipated to transport decisively for one among their shortlisted objectives to verify defensive balance forward of the 2026 season.
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