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Liverpool’s transfer priorities for 2026 are expected to focus on strengthening their defence. Marc Guehi, the Crystal Palace centre-back, remains a key target for the Reds despite missing out on him in the summer. However, after the largest squad overhaul at Anfield in a decade, there are no plans to recruit at such a rapid pace in the next window.
Addressing defensive concerns is particularly important given the uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate. Liverpool are keen to extend the 26-year-old’s contract, but negotiations have yet to yield an agreement. With his current deal set to expire in June, Konate will be able to speak with overseas clubs and reach a pre-contract arrangement from January 1.
The resolution of Konate’s future will largely determine how active Liverpool will be in the market for another centre-back. The Reds have placed significant faith in Giovanni Leoni signed from Parma, but he will miss the remainder of the season due to a serious knee injury. The need for defensive reinforcements was evident in the failed pursuit of Guehi over the summer.
Liverpool are also continuing their search for a long-term successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Premier League champions made a €20million offer last summer for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, which was rejected, according to Calciomercato.
Calciomercato reports that Liverpool, alongside Juventus and AS Roma, approached Atalanta for Palestra. However, the Bergamo club opted to loan the 20-year-old to Cagliari for the season. Palestra has impressed so far, emerging as one of Italy’s top right-backs. He is also attracting interest from several other European clubs, including Atletico Madrid in Spain and Borussia Dortmund in Germany. While Atalanta aim to retain Palestra for the future, a standout offer, most likely from abroad, could see him leave mid-season.
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