Chelsea are the new competitors in the Ibrahima Konaté saga (Credits: Imago Images)
Liverpool appear to be struggling with planning for the next transfer window. The Reds would like to bolster their squad with mid-season reinforcements, but there are still extensions back home pending.
One major problem for the Merseysiders recently has been Ibrahima Konaté. With only three senior defenders in the squad, Arne Slot might have to plan for even more backups in this aspect.
Liverpool were on the verge of progression with the Frenchman’s agent, as the side was confident in retaining their World Cup runner-up.
Unfortunately, things have taken a turn for the worse as various media outlets claim that the talks have fallen out. This might be an alarming situation at Anfield as they’d want to plan for backups to sign in the next summer transfer window, at the latest.
As we reported previously, Marca seems pretty confident in Real Madrid’s ability to sign the defender. Los Blancos will be going for a free deal as Konaté’s contract expires at the end of the season.
The French defender will be allowed to sign any pre-contracts with non-British clubs from January. Liverpool almost signed Marc Guéhi this summer, but the deal fell through due to internal reasons at Selhurst Park.
If Ibrahima decides to leave, Liverpool will have to make up their mind regarding the Crystal Palace skipper. Currently, reports suggest that the Reds, too, are waiting for a free transfer in the upcoming summer.
Quiz: Name the team Liverpool signed these players from in the 2010s
Chelsea enters race to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté
With Real Madrid already proving problematic for Liverpool, EPL rivals Chelsea have also entered the race to sign Ibrahima Konaté, claims Empire of the Kop.
This is going to be a tough situation for The Reds as Arne Slot might see some squad instability in his third year as the Merseysiders’ manager.
Following the fallout, Slot and Co. are open to accepting offers for the defender in January, claims the outlet. This might be perfect for Liverpool as they can use the same money to go all in for Marc Guéhi in the winter.
Previously, Arne Slot was considering a postponed move for the English defender as the club would like to save on the £25m fee that comes with the deal.
Guéhi’s contract also expires at the end of the season, but Crystal Palace too won’t be interested in letting their skipper leave on a free. If everything works out, we might see some changes in the Liverpool defence mid-season.
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