Liverpool are mired in uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate’s future, with the French centre-back yet to sign a new contract amid growing interest from European powerhouses such as Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
The 25-year-old’s contract runs until the summer of 2026, but his reluctance to extend has set off alarm bells at Anfield, forcing the club’s bosses to activate an emergency succession plan for one of their most important players.
When on form, Konate is a central figure in the Reds’ defensive structure, forming a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk.
However, the player’s reluctance to enter into new negotiations has left sporting director Richard Hughes and manager Arn Slott pondering the club’s next steps.
PSG have long admired Konate and see him as the natural successor to Marquinhos, while Real Madrid have him on their list of defensive candidates for 2026 as they look to revamp their backline, sources close to the agency say. catch off side.
Liverpool’s defensive rebuild is already overdue and Konate’s uncertain future could accelerate the club’s recruitment efforts.
The Reds have drawn up a list of three candidates.
1. Jeremy Jacquet (Rennes)
The frontrunner is Jeremy Jacquet, a 20-year-old French defender who is highly rated by Rennes. Jacquet has been extensively scouted by Liverpool this season, with analysts impressed by his calmness and leadership qualities beyond his years. Sources close to Rennes say Liverpool scouts attended several Ligue 1 matches and were confident the youngster could develop into a world-class operator under Slott’s guidance.
2. Marc Gehi (Crystal Palace)
Another name firmly on the radar is Marc Guehi, whose Premier League experience and birthplace player status make him an attractive option. The 25-year-old England international is one of the most consistent defenders in the division and Liverpool see him as an immediate partner for Van Dijk. Gehi is reportedly open to new challenges, and a contract could become a reality in the near future.
3. Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund)
Borussia Dortmund’s 26-year-old left-footed centre-back Niko Schlotterbeck remains on the shortlist. Known for his technical ability and confidence in playing from the back, Schlotterbeck fits perfectly into Slot’s possession-based, high-pressing system. The player’s ongoing contract dispute with Dortmund has not been noticed at Anfield, with sources suggesting Liverpool could swoop in if talks break down further.
Liverpool still want Konate to stay
Despite the contingency plan, Liverpool’s priority remains extending Konate’s contract. The club’s leaders believe he can be a key part of the defense for many years to come, especially as Van Dijk approaches the twilight of his career.
However, with no progress in negotiations and growing interest from overseas, the Reds are preparing for any outcome.
Sources close to the club insist there is no immediate panic, but the coming months will be decisive.
If no deal is reached by the summer, Liverpool are expected to move decisively towards one of their finalists to ensure defensive stability ahead of the 2026 season.
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