Liverpool manager Arne Slot looks on during a matchplaceholder image
Liverpool manager Arne Slot looks on during a match | AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool are considering a potential free agent move in 2026
Liverpool have seen an increase in free transfer exits from Anfield in recent years and Ibrahima Konate’s current situation is heavily suggesting that he could be next.
Real Madrid remain linked with the centre-back, having already signed Trent Alexander-Arnold for a minimal fee after they pushed through an earlier deal over the summer.
Liverpool have also seen the likes of key players including Roberto Firmino, Georginio Wijnaldum and Joel Matip leave the club as free agents over the last four years. Matip was a free signing to begin with, and one of the best the club have brought in, similar to James Milner.
Liverpool now appear to be embracing the art of poaching free agents once again. The Reds signed Freddie Woodman over the summer following the expiration of his contract with Preston, but they are eyeing a potential first team regular as we approach the new year.
Liverpool make ‘financial challenge impossible’ for transfer target rivals
The player on the radar is Bayern Munich’s Serge Gnabry, whose contract in Germany expires in June 2026. The German international turned 30 this year, so it would be a signing of experience for Liverpool, who currently have 11 first team players under the age of 25.
According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Liverpool have the upper-hand over fellow interested club Juventus when it comes to Gnabry. Juve have reportedly enquired about the Bayern star but talks have already cooled between the European powerhouses, as his salary is said to be ‘out of reach’ for the Turin side, and competition from Liverpool ‘makes a financial challenge impossible’.
Judging by this report, it appears as though Gnabry is on some pretty high wages which only a Premier League club could realistically match. It has been widely reported that Gnabry earns in the region of £282,000 per week as a base rate, which is understandably high for a club like Juventus, who reportedly have the bulk of their first team on £100,000 per week or less.
Would Serge Gnabry suit Liverpool?
Gnabry is a versatile and experienced forward who can play as a winger or central attacker, which would provide plenty of cover for Liverpool across the front three. He has played most his games across his career as a right-winger, meaning he could bring extra depth to the role mostly occupied by Mohamed Salah.
So far this season, Gnabry has four goals and four assists in all competitions, despite only making sporadic starts for Bayern Munich. He has played on both the left and right wing this season, as well as just behind the striker.
While Gnabry probably isn’t viewed as a long-term replacement for Salah, whose own contract expires in 2027, he could be a valuable senior player to add to the ranks with digging deeps into the transfer kitty.
The German has been praised plenty of times throughout his successful career, which has seen him win six Bundesliga titles with Bayern. Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann lauded Gnabry recently, following his efforts in 4-0 win over Luxembourg.
“He was one of those role models when it came to greed. If the top players who are positioned in attack and have played for a huge club for years also display this feistiness at the back, then every player from a smaller club will do the same. He played his best international game in a long time.”
Continue Reading