Liverpool might be prioritising their pursuit of Alexander Isak before the summer transfer window closes, but club chiefs could now rethink matters after Friday’s win over Bournemouth. The Premier League champions won 4-2 in a thrilling encounter at Anfield, with Federico Chiesa and Mo Salah scoring late on after the Cherries had fought back from 2-0 down.
However, for all the obvious attacking prowess of Arne Slot’s side, they appeared vulnerable at the back. After finishing off a flowing counterattack, Antoine Semenyo was allowed to run the length of the field before slotting home and briefly silencing home fans. His goal compounded a poor night for Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate, who appeared to stand off the forward before ending up in no man’s land as he shot on goal.
On Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher, who moments earlier had questioned the positional play of the centre back, said: “What is Konate doing? Oh my God. He's been absolutely shocking tonight.”
Indeed, the inept display came as club chiefs are negotiating a new contract for the 26-year-old. He has just a year remaining on his current deal and will be eligible to leave for free next summer.
Arne Slot and FSG must now take decisive action and avoid a repeat of the Trent Alexander-Arnold scenario, with the star able to run down his contract before leaving for Real Madrid. Rather than going all out for Isak, the club would be better served by gunning for Marc Guehi before the September 1 deadline.
A sale of Konate, whose head already appears to be looking towards the exit door, would help fund a bid for the Crystal Palace star. If Slot hesitates, he faces the prospect of a season with a demotivated star in the heart of defence who has no intention of staying.
Friday night proved that Liverpool have the attacking weapons to cope without breaking the bank for Isak. However, the lack of defensive solidarity could yet prove their undoing as they look to challenge again domestically and in Europe.
Since succeeding Jurgen Klopp, Slot hasn’t been afraid to be ruthless. Imminently selling Konate and going all in on Guehi could prove his biggest masterstroke yet.