Liverpool
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Fri 14 March 2025 10:09, UK
Liverpool have yet to reach an agreement with Ibrahima Konate over a new contract despite ongoing talks, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Tracks podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the Reds have already begun identifying potential replacements for the Frenchman ahead of the summer window.
Konate, 25, has just 12 months remaining on his current deal at Anfield amid growing concerns he could leave the club for free at the end of the 2025/26 season.
Football Insider first revealed that Liverpool had opened contract talks with Konate in October, and while they remain keen to tie him down, little progress has been made.
They have now turned their attention towards the transfer window as Arne Slot is keen to strengthen his squad at the back regardless of the futures of Konate and Virgil van Dijk.
Van Dijk, 33, is set to be out of contract in the summer as things stand with no concrete update about the progress of his contract talks as we approach the end of the season.
Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate
Ibrahima Konate could be replaced at Liverpool. (Credit: Imago)
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Liverpool plot moves to sign Ibrahima Konate replacements
Amid concerns about the futures of Van Dijk and Konate, Liverpool are targeting more long-term options to bolster their team at centre-back.
Industry insider Mick Brown told Football Insider on 13 March that Liverpool want Marc Guehi and Dean Huijsen as their top targets ahead of the summer window.
Guehi, 24, is a regular for England and is Crystal Palace’s captain, while the 19-year-old Huijsen has enjoyed an outstanding debut season at the Vitality Stadium.
Both are expected to cost a lofty price, but the Reds are willing to spend big on first-team signings as they look to build on what has been an impressive first season for Slot.
Marc Guehi Dean Huijsen
Age 24 19
Appearances 27 22
Minutes Played 2430 1600
Clean Sheets 9 5
Goals Conceded 32 19
Pass Accuracy 82.7% 83.5%
Errors Leading to Goal 0 1
Yellow Cards 7 6
Marc Guehi vs Dean Huijsen, Premier League stats 2024/25.
Arne Slot to bolster defensive options after Milos Kerkez latest
Alongside the addition of a new centre-back, Liverpool are eyeing moves to strengthen across their back line, with a new left-back on their radar.
Brown told Football Insider on 11 March that Liverpool want to sign Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez and are prepared to meet their £40million valuation in the summer.
This comes amid concerns about the long-term role of Andy Robertson in the side as a result of his performances since the manager’s arrival.
The 21-year-old Bournemouth defender has established himself as one of the best left-backs in the league, having started all 28 of their Premier League games so far this season.
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