Jamie Carragher has sent a warning to Arne Slot on the eve of Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth.
The Reds lost their first competitive contest of the new campaign in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace after Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, and Harvey Elliott all failed to convert in the penalty shootout.
Carragher berated the Liverpool defence at Wembley as they allowed Palace to peg back a one-goal advantage on two separate occasions.
Virgil van Dijk was culpable for both goals on the day – the Reds captain conceded a clear penalty to allow Jean Philippe-Mateta to equalise from 12 yards in the 15th minute and was caught out of position as Ismaila Sarr levelled the tie late into the second half.
Ismaila Sarr is tackled by Virgil van Dijk during Crystal Palace v Liverpool in the 2025 FA Community Shield
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
However, Carragher believes Slot will encounter problems with another defender this season as the Scouser sent a clear warning to the Liverpool boss.
Jamie Carragher believes Konate is replaceable at Liverpool
TBR Football exclusively revealed Ibrahima Konate is demanding “big money” from Liverpool as he enters the final year of his deal at Anfield.
And although there has yet to be a breakthrough in negotiations, Carragher shared his thoughts regarding the ongoing saga on The Overlap and believes Slot can replace the Frenchman if he refuses to extend his contract.
“I don’t know what he’s been offered or whatever. I’m sure he’d be getting a good wage if you like. But if I were him, I’d sign. I’m not sure where he would go, but I think he’s a really good player. I don’t think he’s irreplaceable.
“I think Liverpool, in the past, have been prepared to let people go for free. It’s not ideal, but I think they’re willing to send a message in terms of wages. If you go back to Klopp’s team, Emre Can and Wijnaldum left for free. They wanted more money, but the club essentially said, ‘This is what we think you’re worth. We might sell you, we might keep you.’
“The same applies to Trent Alexander-Arnold. He asked for more, but whatever the details, it might be the same. I think it looks like they’re going to get the lad from Crystal Palace.
“The longer he doesn’t sign, I think the manager is essentially saying, ‘If you’re not committed, that’s fine.’ Before, Liverpool had two centre-backs and the lad behind them, Quansah, who had left – that wasn’t real competition. That was just an understudy. He’s an England international.
“This is me going for your place, fighting for the position. The longer he doesn’t sign, the more that competition drives the club forward.”
Marc Guehi could replace Ibrahima Konate at Liverpool
As revealed by TBR Football, Liverpool have agreed to sign Giovanni Leoni, with the 18-year-old expected to sign a six-year deal at Anfield after a £30 million agreement was struck with Parma.
The Reds are interested in Marc Guehi too, but widespread reports suggest the England international could remain at Selhurst Park for the remainder of the campaign and join Liverpool as a free agent in 2026.
Nevertheless, it appears Richard Hughes is eager to thrash out an agreement with Crystal Palace despite the current impasse in negotiations.
Richard Hughes, Liverpool Sporting Director during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
The 25-year-old requires regular first-team football ahead of the 2026 World Cup and, should he arrive at Anfield, he will undoubtedly have his sights set on displacing Konate in the starting line-up.
Indeed, Konate has been a stalwart in the Liverpool defence in recent years, but the Reds are eager to avoid a repeat of the Trent Alexander-Arnold saga, regardless of whether Konate extends his contract; a contingency plan will be in place to prepare for a potential departure.