Image Credits: Imago Images
An interesting transfer domino is developing that could shape Liverpool’s defensive future.
Liverpool’s defensive frailties have been clear to see so far this season.
The Reds currently hold a -2 goal difference in the Premier League, as they have conceded 20 goals in 12 games so far this season.
Defensive reinforcements were targeted in the summer, but it hasn’t gone to plan for Liverpool.
Giovanni Leoni, the talented 18-year-old centre back signed from Parma, suffered an ACL injury on his Liverpool debut and will now be side-lined for the season.
Marc Guehi, who was inches away from becoming a Liverpool player, saw a deal for his transfer collapse in the final minutes of the summer transfer window.
Those two situations, along with Ibrahima Konate being well off it this season, with the rumour mill starting that his head is already in Real Madrid, the future of Liverpool’s defence leaves many questions left to be answered.
European football finds itself with three top centre-backs potentially out of contract next summer in Ibrahima Konate, Marc Guehi and Dayot Upamecano.
Sport BILD believe that Liverpool will look to strike a deal for Marc Guehi if Ibrahima Konate does not agree to the Liverpool contract extension in a “timely” manner.
If Ibrahima Konate does not accept the extension before the transfer window opens in the winter, Liverpool will look to sell the Frenchman and use the money to sign Marc Guehi.
Christian Falk said this on a recent episode of his podcast Bayern Insider:
“FC Bayern will pay close attention to how the decision is made. Liverpool is putting pressure; they definitely want to sell him if he doesn’t sign a new contract soon.”
“He already has it. They don’t want to lose a player for free of charge. They would then immediately invest the money in Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace.”
Bayern Munich will be watching the situation closely because they also hold an interest in Marc Guehi.
If Konate was to agree a new deal with the club, it could push Liverpool’s efforts to sign Marc Guehi back to next summer, rather than in the winter, meaning Bayern Munich could spot an opportunity to strike a deal for Ibrahima Konate as he is on their shortlist and is seen as a replacement for Upamecano.
It remains to be seen if Dayot Upamecano will decide to continue his career in Munich or part ways this summer.
There is a lot still to unfold in regard to Ibrahima Konate’s situation at Liverpool.
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