Liverpool’s defensive line has undergone and will continue to undergo changes over the next year.
Joe Gomez shone in the win over Marseille this week after Ibrahima Konate missed the tie due to personal reasons.
However, while Gomez impressed in midweek, recent reports suggest he could leave Liverpool in 2026.
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Similarly, Konate is yet to sign a new contract despite being in talks for over a year and could depart Anfield on a free later this year.
Will Liverpool get their first Premier League win of 2026 vs Bournemouth?
Federico Chiesa celebrates after scoring for Liverpool in the Premier League against Bournemouth at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA
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In their stead, Mick van de Ven has been mooted to join Liverpool, but he will not come cheap.
Should Van de Ven make the move to Merseyside, he could link up with international teammate Virgil van Dijk.
Diego Costa hated playing against Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk is Liverpool’s most expensive January signing, arriving for a £75m fee from Southampton in 2018.
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Since swapping St Mary’s for Anfield, the Dutchman has helped guide his current club to two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy.
During his time with Liverpool and Southampton, the centre-back has done battle with some top centre-forwards, including Diego Costa.
The Spaniard spent four years at Chelsea before returning to the Premier League in 2022 for a brief spell with Wolves.
Now, speaking on The Obi One Podcast this week, Costa has singled out Van Dijk as a difficult defender to play against.
He said: “Defenders? From Liverpool, Van Dijk, yes, he’s a difficult defender.
“The truth is that the defenders here are very strong. You have to always be very intense and ready because they kick you and bite you all the time really hard.”
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How Liverpool will replace Virgil van Dijk
While the 34-year-old has dominated in the Premier League, his playing career and stint at Liverpool are nearing their ends.
The former Celtic ace is under contract for another 18 months, at which point he will be very close to 36.
In terms of the long-term plan to replace Van Dijk, Liverpool see Dominik Szoboszlai as a future captain.
But when it comes to potential centre-back options, the aforementioned Van de Ven has been linked this month, while Nico Schloterbeck is of interest to the Reds.
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