Liverpool are always on the lookout for offensive talent and may have found a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah at Anfield who they could now target.
Liverpool face anxious wait on Ibrahima Konate future
Undoubtedly, the only minor concern at Anfield right now comes in the form of Ibrahima Konate's uncertain Liverpool contract situation, which has drawn interest from Real Madrid, who are thought to be in advanced talks over a potential move to the Bernabeu.
With his deal set to expire next summer, the La Liga giants could enact a repeat of Trent Alexander-Arnold's acrimonious exit, which looked set to occur on a free transfer before Los Blancos shelled out £8.4 million to land the England international, ensuring he was on board in time for the Club World Cup.
Ibrahima Konate warming up for Liverpool
Ibrahima Konate warming up for Liverpool
Addressing Konate's situation, Redmen TV's Ste Plunkett has admitted that he could envisage Konate leaving to join Real Madrid, admitting the pull of playing for the world heavyweights may prove difficult for the Liverpool man to turn down.
He told BBC Sport: "If we get a notification from Konate that his intention is to go to Real Madrid in the summer, then we are forced to do whatever it is we need to do to fill that gap, and then we have to find one more.
"I fully expect him to leave. He's won trophies with the club; there is a big coming together of French talent at Real Madrid, you've got five or six of them, and that will continue. All the best French players will end up gravitating over there, and he wants to go and be a part of that."
Nevertheless, Liverpool's pursuit of a new central defender after their late attempts to sign Marc Guehi isn't the only matter on the agenda for Arne Slot, who is now said to be lining up a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool eye Malick Fofana as Mohamed Salah successor
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool see Lyon star Malick Fofana as a long-term successor to Salah and remains on their radar despite opting to stay in France during the summer window.
Rivals Everton were actually in talks to sign Fofana over the summer, but the £43m-rated star stayed put at Lyon.
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The Reds had shown interest in taking him to Anfield and his versatility is said to be a key reason why, alongside his speed and high level of end product in the final third.
Lauded by Man City star Rayan Cherki for his explosiveness, Fofana registered 11 goals and six assists in 41 appearances across all competitions last term, and he has continued that form in 2025/26, notching two goal contributions in three games.
With Salah at a point where consultation will begin in the next couple of years over his eventual replacement, Fofana appears to be of a similar mould and supporters will be keeping a keen eye on his situation as Liverpool continue to probe for his signature.