Ibrahima Konate has been linked with an exit from Liverpool.placeholder image
Ibrahima Konate has been linked with an exit from Liverpool. | Getty Images
Liverpool have been touted to sign their perfect Ibrahim Konate replacement
Liverpool have been touted to target a new centre-back during the January transfer window, as talks with Ibrahima Konate continue to stall and the belief grows that the Frenchman may opt against securing a new deal at Anfield.
They were mere hours away from signing Marc Guehi on deadline day before a transfer for the Crystal Palace captain fell through, but it is believed that a transfer battle for the England international could ensue again in January as he is unlikely to sign a new deal at Selhurst Park. His current contract runs out in summer 2026.
Another top-class name may have come to the fore as Liverpool links grow with one of the Premier League’s best defenders.
Liverpool touted to sign ‘ideal’ defensive target Micky van de Ven
Recent reports by Fichajes last month have suggested that Liverpool are interested in making an ambitious move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven, and former Netherlands defender Khalid Boulahrouz has now called for the Reds to make their move for the man he feels is the ‘ideal’ long-term successor to captain Virgil van Dijk.
Van Dijk, of course, knows Van de Ven well from the Dutch national team, and the pair could strike up a strong defensive partnership at Anfield until Netherlands captain Van Dijk does eventually decide to hang up his boots. Fichajes reported that Spurs value Van de Ven at around €100million (£88m).
Boulahrouz told ESPN NL: “I think he's the ideal successor to Virgil van Dijk, both in the Dutch national team and at Liverpool. And Liverpool aren't crazy: if you're looking for a world-class left centre-back and you have the money, you'll quickly end up with Van de Ven.
"The same goes for the Dutch national team. I think Koeman has long since realized that Van Dijk's successor is already out there. He's [Van de Ven] really outperforming them. He's physically strong and incredibly quick. Opponents know that, so they don't even try to get past him anymore. He could still do better on the ball; he makes the occasional blunder. But overall, I think he's fantastic.”
Bouhlarouz says ‘world-class’ quality of Van Dijk set to continue
Though the Reds might be smart to begin to consider a succession plan, Van Dijk’s years at the top are by no means over and this was reflected by Bouhlarouz.
"Virgil is still undisputed in the Dutch national team,” he said. “Even though Liverpool haven't been performing quite as well lately. Diogo Jota's passing has had a huge impact on the squad.
“In addition, many new players have joined. That has an impact, and you can see that with Van Dijk. But despite that, he remains a world-class player. The question, of course, is what Virgil will do after the World Cup. Playing in the Premier League for years has taken its toll. You might long for a bit of a break.”
If Liverpool were to bring in Van de Ven now, he could replace Konate and partner Van Dijk in the centre of defence for club and country. He would then be the ideal successor to the Reds captain in the long-term.
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