As Arne Slot continues to shape Liverpool’s squad in a bid to defend the Premier League title next season, the club’s defensive setup appears poised for a significant shift.
With strong interest in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and a potential $60-$94 million (£45-70 million) deal on the horizon, the question arises: could Guehi arrive not just as competition, but as a replacement for Ibrahima Konate?
Konate has been a very solid defensive presence for Liverpool since his arrival from RB Leipzig in 2021. Combining power, pace, and aggressive defending, he is one of Europe’s most physically gifted centre-backs and had solidified his place in the starting XI after a rocky start under Slot.
However, injuries have hampered Konate's time at Anfield, limiting his availability and momentum. Last season alone, he missed more than 10 matches across all competitions due to muscular setbacks. While Virgil van Dijk continues to marshal the back line, Liverpool cannot afford unpredictability in such a critical position, especially as the Reds build toward life beyond the Dutch captain.
This is where Guehi comes in. At 24, he has captained Crystal Palace to their first FA Cup triumph, become a fixture in the England national team, and proven himself as a calm, consistent performer at the highest level. His leadership, positioning, and reliability stand in stark contrast to Konate's more volatile fitness and form.
Slot’s football is built on structure, ball retention, and intelligent defensive transitions. In many ways, Guehi feels tailor-made for that system. If he arrives this summer, don’t expect him to wait quietly for minutes. Guehi will be coming to play and possibly to start.
Marc Guehi
Marc Guehi has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer (Image: Getty Images)
Adding another layer of intrigue is growing speculation around the Frenchman’s long-term future. Sources in Spain suggest Real Madrid are monitoring the French defender as a potential successor to their ageing centre-back core. His contract with Liverpool is set to expire in 2026, with no signs of renewal talks underway, with fans hoping to avoid a repeat of the uncertainty they faced with Trent Alexander-Arnold. With Konate entering the final year of his contract, Liverpool may already be planning for life after Konate, given the uncertainty.
If the 25-year-old was to leave, a signing like Guehi makes even more sense. It’s not just about depth—it’s about succession planning. Liverpool have always been smart operators in the transfer market. Signing Guehi now means the Reds will already have a quality defender to partner Van Dijk.
Of course, Konate remains an established presence in Liverpool’s back line and a key figure in the squad. However, the uncertainty surrounding his contract, could create complications, particularly as the club looks to plan long-term under Slot, who makes clear that selection will be based on performance, not past reputation or transfer fees. And with Guehi knocking on the door, that hierarchy could be about to change.