Arne Slot might need to change his January plans (Credits: Imago Images)
Liverpool only have three senior defenders in their squad right now. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté are the starting duo, whereas Joe Gomez and new arrival Giovanni Leoni hold the line as substitutes.
The Reds were trying to sign Marc Guéhi in the summer, but a last-minute rejection by Crystal Palace meant that the deal was off.
Guéhi completed the medicals in London as Palace were working on signing a replacement in Igor Julio from Brighton and Hove Albion on deadline day.
The Eagles captain was keen on the move as the Merseysiders submitted a final offer sheet to the Glaziers. Unfortunately, though, Julio decided to join West Ham United in the final hours of the summer transfer window.
This meant Oliver Glasner wouldn’t be keen on losing their captain for the Austrian’s last season at Selhurst Park. A move from Slot and Co. will be natural for Guéhi in the summer, but competition from other clubs means there might be a preponement of the deal.
Konaté is also being linked to a move to Real Madrid, according to reports, and a replacement is very crucial for Slot to keep challenging for the titles.
However, another Liverpool defender might see his Reds career end in January, and the Mereysiders might need to change their winter plans accordingly.
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Joe Gomez is on AC Milan’s radar
Despite Joe Gomez’s injury problems, AC Milan have set their eyes on the Englishman, according to Milan Live. The Serie A giants had shown prior interest in the defender, but a move never materialised.
The Italian outlet now suggests that the Rossoneri will be coming back for Gomez in January. This is going to be an alarming situation for Liverpool.
If Joe departs for Italy, there will only be 18-year-old understudy Giovanni Leoni as central backup. The former Parma defender has shown immense potential, but a single injury will result in the teenager taking charge of the backline.
Arne Slot believes that the Italian is Premier League-ready ready but we also have to take into consideration the almost confirmed departure of Ibrahima Konaté.
The Frenchman’s agent was in talks with Liverpool regarding an extension, but apparently, they have been for nought as Konaté seems to have made up his mind on a move.
Real Madrid are planning to sign the defender for free in January, but the Reds won’t be keen on letting him leave for free.
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