Liverpool's search for defensive reinforcements has already sparked plenty of debate following Ibrahima Konate's departure to Real Madrid, and former Reds defender Jason McAteer believes Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa should be at the top of the shortlist.
Speaking to PariruIX, McAteer argued the England international possesses the experience Liverpool need rather than another developing talent.
"When Virgil van Dijk leaves you don't want someone who is still of that young mould. You want someone who has experience, who takes over from Virgil van Dijk and can nurture the younger player when he comes into the team, so Konsa would be a great acquisition for me."
Jason McAteer
It is easy to understand why the 28-year-old has earned that backing.
Since arriving from Brentford following Aston Villa's promotion in 2019, Konsa has been one of the Premier League's most dependable defenders. Across seven seasons he has remained a constant while Villa climbed from relegation candidates to regular European qualifiers, featuring heavily in campaigns that have seen the Midlands club qualify for both the Champions League and Europa League.
His durability is arguably his greatest asset. Konsa has recorded three seasons with more than 4,000 minutes, a rarity for modern centre-backs, and has consistently combined availability with high-level performances. Last season may have been the strongest of his career.
SC Freiburg v Aston Villa FC - UEFA Europa League Final 2026 | Neville Williams/GettyImages
Villa lifted the Europa League with Konsa playing a pivotal role, keeping seven clean sheets in 12 European appearances and remarkably scoring in both legs of the quarter-final against Bologna. A season earlier he also impressed in the Champions League, scoring against Paris Saint-Germain as Villa defeated the eventual European champions on the night despite narrowly losing the tie on aggregate.
His club form was rewarded internationally. Konsa started every England match except the semi-final defeat to Argentina, meaning England avoided defeat in every game he began. He even found the net in a thrilling 6-4 victory over France in the bronze-medal match, while Thomas Tuchel's decision to deploy him at right-back against Norway further demonstrated his versatility.
Those qualities would naturally appeal to Andoni Iraola.
Under the Spaniard's management and the aggressive pressing style he wishes to implement, centre-backs must be capable of defending huge spaces behind an advanced defensive line. Pace, athleticism and composure in 1v1 situations become non-negotiable when the centre-halves are often left as the final line of defence whilst the full-backsacks take up positions in the final third.
Konsa fits that profile almost perfectly, while his ability to cover at right-back would provide another useful option given Liverpool's current depth concerns.
With Giovanni Leoni facing a long-term injury and Jeremy Jacquet potentially being thrust straight into first-team football, adding another experienced central defender alongside Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez would make obvious sense. The stumbling block, however, is the price.
Aston Villa v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League | Naomi Baker/GettyImages
McAteer suggested Villa could demand around £80 million, but that figure would run completely against Liverpool's long-established recruitment model.
The Reds have rarely spent significant money on players aged 28 or older. Thiago Alcântara remains their most expensive signing in that age bracket at an initial £20 million, while almost every major acquisition under FSG arrived in their early or mid-twenties.
With Villa also losing key names such as Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans this summer, prising away another cornerstone of Unai Emery's side would likely require an extraordinary offer.
Konsa undoubtedly has the experience, consistency and tactical profile to strengthen Liverpool immediately. Whether he fits Liverpool's transfer philosophy is another question entirely.
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