Liverpool will raid another of the Premier League’s ‘big six’ for a defender this summer, should Ibrahima Konate leave the club.
The France international is out of contract at Anfield this summer, and has been touted to follow Trent Alexander-Arnold’s footsteps in joining Real Madrid.
Last summer, Liverpool were keenly aware of Konate’s intentions, and tried to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi as his replacement. But that move fell apart on transfer deadline day, and the England international has joined Manchester City this week instead.
Ibrahima Konate, right, could leave Liverpool this summer.placeholder image
Ibrahima Konate, right, could leave Liverpool this summer. | Getty Images
Having missed out on their top transfer target, and Konate still heading for the exit door, Liverpool have gone back to the drawing board. Their solution, it seems, is to target another centre-back from the Premier League’s ‘big six’.
It’s the name given to the six largest clubs in English football; that honour includes Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. In this case, it’s the latter of these sides that the Reds have zeroed in on.
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According to TeamTalk, Liverpool will try to sign Spurs centre-back Micky van de Ven this summer, if Konate does indeed leave. Officially recorded as being the fastest player in Premier League history, the Dutchman would bring pace and progressive play to Arne Slot’s defence, along with a pre-existing chemistry with defensive partner and compatriot, Virgil van Dijk.
Speaking to the sports outlet, transfer expert Dean Jones said: “The Dutch defender has not yet agreed a new deal and is believed to have delayed the issue while Thomas Frank has been in charge.
“He has been one of the few players to show spells of consistency and decent form this season, but Tottenham face losing him if their season is not salvaged, as he has been unconvinced by the project.
“He has also become aware of opportunities that may lie elsewhere; Liverpool’s interest is genuine.”
The Reds broke their transfer record last summer to sign Florian Wirtz, then surpassed it again with the arrival of Alexander Isak. They also added Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Giovanni Leoni to the Anfield ranks.
Despite spending more than £440m, Liverpool are in a financially strong position thanks to the sales of Luis Diaz, Jarell Quansah, Darwin Nunez and Caoimhin Kelleher, which have helped balance the books and leave room for further investment.
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