Liverpool now plan deals for TWO centre-backs as Konate talks continue
Liverpool’s defensive planning has moved into sharp focus as uncertainty persists around Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation, prompting internal discussions that stretch well beyond a single renewal. With the France international approaching the final months of his deal, the club are balancing negotiation strategy with broader squad-building objectives under Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes.
Konate, now 26, is due to be out of contract at the end of the current season. Despite lengthy talks over the past year, no agreement has yet been finalised, leaving Liverpool facing a familiar dilemma: secure a key asset on revised terms or risk losing him for nothing. Sources close to the situation suggest that Konate’s camp are seeking a deal in excess of £200,000 per week, a figure that has prompted careful consideration given his recent injury record and fluctuations in form.
Liverpool’s priority, however, remains clear. The preference inside Anfield is still to reach an agreement, particularly with Konate set to become eligible to speak with overseas clubs imminently. Yet even if a breakthrough is achieved, Liverpool’s defensive recruitment plans will not be put on hold.
Konate renewal remains key objective
The current centre-back options available to Slot are limited. Virgil van Dijk and Konate are effectively the only senior, fit choices, with Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni sidelined through injury. That lack of depth has sharpened Liverpool’s resolve to reinforce the position regardless of Konate’s future.
Transfer expert Dean Jones has provided insight into the club’s thinking, stressing that while Liverpool would like clarity sooner rather than later, there is no hard deadline being imposed.
“The aim has been to tie him up by the New Year, but I’m not sure they see it as a strict deadline,” Jones told TEAMtalk.
He added that lessons have been learned from previous protracted negotiations. “The objective has been to avoid another Trent Alexander-Arnold scenario that drags on and on, and then he still leaves. The problem Liverpool have is that if Konate leaves, then they’ll actually need two centre-back signings.”
That scenario is precisely what Hughes and Slot are keen to avoid, particularly during a period of tactical transition and squad evolution.
Schlotterbeck and Guehi both under consideration
Crucially, Liverpool’s interest in defensive reinforcements is not framed as a contingency plan for Konate’s exit. Instead, the club are actively targeting an additional centre-back to raise both competition and reliability at the heart of defence.
Jones was explicit on this point, underlining that names such as Marc Guehi and Nico Schlotterbeck are being considered as complementary additions rather than replacements.
“They are already in the market for someone – and that’s not to replace Konate, it’s to have as well as him. So when we look at [Marc] Guehi or [Nico] Schlotterbeck, we are talking about adding competition and depth to the squad.”
Guehi’s Premier League experience and leadership qualities make him an appealing option, while Schlotterbeck offers a left-sided balance and strong distribution, attributes that align with Slot’s build-up preferences.
Liverpool strategy favours continuity over sale
While speculation has surfaced around a potential January sale should talks stall, that outcome appears unlikely at this stage. From Liverpool’s perspective, retaining Konate and continuing negotiations is seen as the most efficient route forward.
Jones again highlighted the practical logic behind that stance. “It’s easiest for Liverpool to keep Konate and give him a decent deal than going out and replacing him and having yet another new player to get up to speed.”
The intention, therefore, is to persist with discussions into the second half of the season unless a complete impasse is reached. As Jones explained: “So I don’t think they will try to sell him – I think they will only lose him if they reach a stage where finding an agreement has become impossible.”
For now, Liverpool’s defensive blueprint is built around ambition rather than reaction. Whether Konate signs or not, plans are in motion to reshape the centre-back unit, with Guehi and Schlotterbeck firmly on the radar as Anfield prepares for a pivotal period of squad development.
