Liverpool simply has to sign Ibrahima Konate up to a contract extension this season, despite the poor form that the Frenchman has shown in recent months.
That is the view of the former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson, who remains a big fan of the 26-year-old amid interest from Real Madrid as a potential free agent in 2026. So far, there has been no update on his future, with the player largely well below par in the matches the Reds have played to date, including against PSV midweek.
Konate has not been in good form at the start of the new season, but with his best years likely to be ahead of him, Johnson believes getting him tied down beyond the end of the season would present a major boost.
"I think it's important," Johnson exclusively tells Liverpool.com. "Obviously, he's not anywhere near where his best is, but he's still a very good player and very valuable.
"For me, you can't let him walk out on a free. You've got to work with him, get his confidence back, and then you've got a fantastic defender again.
"I think it's important that they nail him down. You don't lose your class overnight. His form will bounce back."
Ibrahima Konate dribbles forward during Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Liverpool center-back Ibrahima Konate. (Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
England ace Marc Guehi could have made a difference for Arne Slot had Liverpool gotten a deal over the line for the Crystal Palace captain on deadline day.
However, Oliver Glasner's side pulled the plug at the last minute when it failed to source a replacement — an outcome that is looking more and more costly by the game.
"I would go back in for Guehi, for sure," Johnson says. "But I don't like it when deals just run on for years; you either want to do it or you don't.
"So I think they should get it done as soon as possible, but not necessarily to replace Konate — just for another player that's at that level that can push each other forward.
"And obviously, whichever one doesn't play, they've got to react and they've got to work on themselves to get back into the team. That's healthy for any team."
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Milos Kerkez, too, is another player looking to play himself into form. The Hungary international showed his quality last season, making the Premier League team of the season with Bournemouth, though he is yet to show it for Liverpool.
Against PSV, he — like Konate — looked good for a spell but then made a simple defensive error.
"I think it's been a bit hit and miss," Johnson adds. "You know, he looks quite erratic at times. It looks like he's never far away from a red card or something silly.
"It's a bit nerve-wracking to watch a little bit. But then he’ll do stuff where you can see why they signed him, you know?
"I think once he learns to settle down and play the role that he needs to do, then I think he can kick on. But at the moment, for me, I'd still pick Robbo and Conor Bradley."