Ibrahima Konaté is halfway through the door as Liverpool are sweating for a successor in a tough marketplace. The Reds failed to sign Marc Guéhi in the summer, but a move in 2026 is expected for the Englishman.
A few reports suggested changes in interests from Guéhi as outlets were citing a move to Spain as more viable. Real Madrid remain heavily interested in the player, but authoritative sources have confirmed his wish to play at Anfield.
Despite already bagging a defender, the Reds will still be losing one in 2026. Konaté is a conservative guess as Joe Gomez might also see the door in January.
AC Milan are long-time admirers of the Englishman and would like to make a move in January. Having failed to make any significant progress in the past, the Italian outfit looks keen for the winter.
Liverpool is looking for a Spanish defender as a potential target
César Tárrega has caught the Reds’ interest (Credits: Imago Images)
Planning is necessary for Arne Slot at this stage. With only three senior centre-backs in the squad, Slot is walking a fine line before everything goes wrong.
Two of the three senior defenders might not be at Anfield in 2026, and with the club only targeting experienced players, Slot has now shifted focus to the longer time scale.
Despite signing Giovanni Leoni from Italy, the 18-year-old won’t be enough when Virgil van Dijk finally leaves. The Dutchman has a contract running till 2027, and the Merseysiders expect to be ready with replacements when the 34-year-old finally steps down.
Gazeta Express reports, Arne Slot is fancying Spanish defender César Tárrega. A product of the Valencian academy, the Spaniard has made significant progress in senior football under little time.
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Big competition awaits Liverpool for Tárrega’s signature
Liverpool are casting a wide net in the sea of defenders for 2026. Following a successful offensive summer, looks like it’s time for some defensive work at Anfield.
However, the Reds are not the sole suitors in the market. Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid are both interested in the Valencian youngster.
Nonetheless, things might be a bit complicated following a contract extension that was signed in August this year. The Spaniard’s new contract runs till 2030, and no less than £43.5m is expected for the defender’s signature.
This is more than what the Merseysiders would’ve paid for Marc Guéhi if the deal had gone through. Although it was mostly due to the Englishman’s contract expiring in 2026, Tárrega is still an interesting option for the Reds to consider.
