With Ibrahima Konate’s contract but to be resolved, Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on signing a Premier League star to switch the towering Frenchman.
Replace on Liverpool’s centre-back search
In lower than 9 months, Konate will develop into a free agent and observe in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s footsteps by leaving Anfield and not using a switch payment. Will probably be one more irritating blow for Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, who must be determined to maintain maintain of their central defender for years to come back.
While talks are ongoing a few new deal, the Reds are already planning for the worst and have reportedly recognized plenty of defenders who may arrive to switch Konate.
Prime of that record is prone to be Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace star got here inside hours of turning into a Liverpool participant on deadline day earlier than the Eagles pulled the plug amid their failure to land a alternative.
When subsequent summer season arrives, nevertheless, these at Selhurst Park can be powerless to face in the way in which of the defender’s departure, together with his contract set to come back to an finish.
That ought to permit Liverpool to land a discount deal, nevertheless it’s unlikely to be that easy. This time round, they’re going to reportedly have competitors from across the Premier League and acquainted foes Actual Madrid, which can pressure these at Anfield to increase their search.
The identical could be stated for Dayot Upamecano. One other centre-back who’s set to develop into a free agent if nothing adjustments earlier than subsequent summer season, each Liverpool and Madrid are reportedly considering securing his signature in a discount deal from Bayern Munich.
Competing with Madrid within the switch market hardly ever goes effectively for any membership and Liverpool might be left with no alternative however to have a look at one other Premier League rival to switch Konate.
Liverpool now focusing on Sven Botman
In keeping with Caught Offside, Liverpool are actually focusing on Sven Botman amongst others as they appear so as to add a centre-back to their ranks subsequent summer season. The Newcastle United defender has usually impressed throughout his time at St James’ Park and has discovered himself on the Reds’ radar because of this.
Convincing the Magpies to promote is unlikely to be a simple activity, nevertheless, following the Alexander Isak saga in the summertime. Finally, Liverpool bought their man and it is simple to see a world by which Newcastle are nonetheless damage by that prolonged ordeal.
There also needs to be issues about Botman’s damage historical past. As spectacular because the Dutchman is, the very last thing that Liverpool want is one other injury-prone defender alongside the likes of Joe Gomez.
Botman’s knee historical past |
Days missed |
Season |
---|---|---|
Knee issues |
48 |
24/25 |
Damaged kneecap |
30 |
24/25 |
Cruciate ligament surgical procedure |
269 |
23/24 |
Knee damage |
79 |
23/24 |
So, while Eddie Howe went as far to explain Botman as “transformative”, there is definitely plenty of points for Liverpool to consider earlier than they make their transfer.