Liverpool Defensive Rebuild Gathers Pace
As Arne Slot begins shaping Liverpool in his image, the club’s defensive setup is undergoing scrutiny. With Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi firmly on the Reds’ radar, according to Sian Jones on Liverpool.com, the question isn’t just whether he’ll join – it’s whether he’s being lined up to replace Ibrahima Konate.
Konate, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021, has displayed flashes of elite quality during his time at Anfield. A blend of raw power, speed and high-intensity defending, the French international has proven himself capable of operating at the highest level. But his progress has been disrupted by persistent injury setbacks, with over ten matches missed last season alone due to muscular issues.
At a club where continuity and reliability are central to success, such absences are increasingly difficult to accommodate. With Virgil van Dijk not getting any younger and Konate’s contract edging toward its final stages—expiring in 2026—Liverpool appear to be assessing long-term alternatives.
Guehi Profile Matches Slot’s Tactical Blueprint
Marc Guehi ticks many boxes for Slot’s evolving system. Calm under pressure, positionally astute and comfortable in possession, the 24-year-old has become a key figure for both Crystal Palace and the England national team. His leadership was on full display as he captained Palace to FA Cup glory, and his composed style appears perfectly suited to Slot’s emphasis on intelligent defending and structured build-up.
Importantly, Guehi’s fitness record stands in stark contrast to Konate’s. With Liverpool expected to compete across four fronts next season, availability will be as valued as ability. For a manager whose tactical approach is heavily reliant on fluid defensive transitions and positional awareness, Guehi offers consistency, composure and a high ceiling for further development.
Sources indicate Liverpool are preparing an offer in the region of £45–70 million, and while that fee may seem steep, it reflects Guehi’s growing status in English football. He would not be arriving merely as squad depth—he’d be expected to challenge for a starting role immediately.
Contract Talks Missing for Konate
What further clouds Konate’s future is the lack of any significant movement regarding a new contract. Despite his contributions, talks have yet to advance, and his current deal runs until 2026. There’s a growing sense within the club that the time to act decisively is now—either renew or prepare to part ways.
Real Madrid have been credited with interest in the France international, seeing him as a long-term option as they transition from their current core of defenders. With no firm progress on a new deal and potential suitors circling, Liverpool are likely factoring this into their recruitment strategy.
Succession Planning Over Sentiment
Slot has made it clear since his arrival that performance will dictate selection. Past achievements or transfer fees won’t guarantee a place in the starting XI. While Konate remains a respected and popular figure in the dressing room, his future may well depend on whether he can deliver consistent performances and stay fit across a demanding campaign.
If Liverpool push ahead with the signing of Guehi, it will reflect more than just a depth addition—it signals a commitment to future-proofing the defence. It could also offer a glimpse of life after Konate, should contract uncertainties persist or offers arrive from Europe’s elite.
In that sense, Guehi’s potential arrival feels less like competition and more like the beginning of a new chapter at the heart of Liverpool’s defence.
