Liverpool's pursuit of Alexander Isak should be put on the back burner after Ibrahima Konate's horror showing in their season opener against Bournemouth.
The Reds eventually came out victorious on Friday night (August 15) courtesy of a late Federico Chiesa winner in a 3-2 victory at Anfield. But Konate was ridiculously poor, doing nothing to prove he was worth all the drama that had ignited amid his contract stand-off.
Isak remains at the top of Arne Slot's wishlist, but the Dutch coach must surely be feeling that a new centre-back should now be the priority. If the Merseyside giants can only make one more signing before the window slams shut, it must be Marc Guehi.
Liverpool Need To Drop Isak Pursuit And Seal Guehi Deal
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Liverpool have been linked with Guehi throughout the summer and are set to "recommence talks" for the Crystal Palace captain on Monday. He has been superb during his four-year spell at Selhurst Park and was crucial for Oliver Glasner's men in their FA Cup triumph last season.
Guehi headed into that campaign off the back of a breakout Euro 2024 of sorts that many feel should make him an undisputed starter for England. He has garnered plenty of interest in the aftermath of his exploits in Germany, including from Newcastle United, who made four bids worth up to £60m.
The 25-year-old, dubbed a "superstar", has emerged as a target to strengthen Slot's defence before deadline day on September 1, but Isak is still the top target. Anyone who watched the Reds' win over Bournemouth will have seen how vulnerable their backline was anytime the Cherries broke forward.
Antoine Semenyo made Konate look foolish after driving towards goal and shocking the Anfield faithful with an equaliser. Chiesa spared the French defender's blushes, but his display should only further highlight the need to attend to defence.
Konate was excellent last season, a real presence alongside Virgil van Dijk as they stormed their way to the title. But talk over his future has taken hold during this summer and may well be causing a distraction that Slot won't want.
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Madrid reportedly want to sign the 26-year-old as a free agent next summer when his current deal expires. The Merseyside giants didn't have this in mind when plotting their Guehi move, as they needed to replace Jarell Quansah anyway.
That stance should now change, and the Englishman should be placed above Isak on their wishlist. There were no problems in the attacking department for Slot against Bournemouth, with Hugo Ekitike flourishing and bagging the opener. Signing the Newcastle frontman could have repercussions on their new French forward's progression.
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