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Regardless of where Liverpool finish this season, the Premier League champions will need to be active in the summer transfer market. Several areas of the squad require improvement, particularly in attack where Arne Slot’s side currently lacks pace.
Liverpool also struggled to control the game against Galatasaray in midweek, once again facing problems when matches become end-to-end.
Reports on Wednesday suggested France international Ibrahima Konate is willing to sign a new contract despite links with Real Madrid.
The defender’s current deal expires at the end of the season, and although talks have taken place over the past year, no agreement has yet been reached. Slot has confirmed discussions remain ongoing.
“We are in talks with him, so that tells you what we want,” Slot said last month. “It’s clear we would like him to stay, but negotiations are ongoing, so let’s see where that ends. We wouldn’t be in negotiations if we didn’t want him to stay.”
Liverpool signed Giovanni Leoni last summer, though he is currently sidelined with an ACL injury. Jeremy Jacquet will also join from Rennes next summer.
Nottingham Forest defender Murillo is attracting interest from Liverpool, although the Brazilian recently signed a contract until 2029 and a move may only become possible if Forest are relegated.
Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Chelsea are also linked with a summer move for Murillo, with Lisandro Martinez’s recurring injury problems forcing the Red Devils to seek more reliable defensive options.
United’s centre-back concerns have also been worsened by a back issue that has kept the Netherlands centre-back Matthijs de Ligt sidelined since November.
Both Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are expected to leave Real Madrid this summer as the club review their centre-back options.
Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano was previously a target, but the France international has since signed a new contract with the German club.
According to The i Paper, “Murillo is not understood to be agitating for a move as yet, having only signed a new deal until 2029 last January, but Forest’s hand could be forced if they are relegated. Should United or another interested party – Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid are understood to be monitoring the Brazilian – make their move, it is thought his mind can be changed.”
The 23-year-old already has significant Premier League experience and is widely regarded as a defender with his best years still ahead of him.
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