Galatasaray v Liverpool - UEFA Champions League ISTANBUL, TURKIYE - SEPTEMBER 30: Head coach of Liverpool Arne Slot greets the fans after the UEFA Champions League week 2 match between Galatasaray and Liverpool at RAMS Park in Istanbul, Turkiye, on September 30, 2025. Serhat Cagdas / Anadolu Istanbul Turkey. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxTURxUSAxCANxUKxJPNxITAxFRAxAUSxESPxBELxKORxRSAxHKGxNZL Copyright: x2025xAnadoluxSerhatxCagdasx
Liverpool isn’t in the best defensive shape, both performance-wise and depth-wise. Arne Slot lost two games in a row following defensive vulnerabilities amidst instability regarding the backline.
Following Giovanni Leoni’s injury, the situation has just worsened as Slot only has three defenders to deploy at Anfield. Transfer rumours have made it worse as two defenders are expected to leave in 2026.
The transfer of Marc Guehi failed in the summer, which was probably the biggest blow to Slot defensively. AC Milan tried to sign Joe Gomez but failed as the Merseysiders didn’t have enough defenders of their own after the sale of Jarell Quansah.
Despite the failure, Rossoneri have been reported to be coming around in January for Gomez. Not having a clear long-term goal will only make the situation worse for Liverpool as the 28-year-old defender will garner more game time in Milan.
Ibrahima Konate Liverpool contract renewal update
Despite previously having rejected a contract extension, it seems like centre-back Ibrahima Konate is still open to staying at Liverpool.
Real Madrid are front-runners to sign the defender if he does decide to leave. However, the Reds don’t seem to be giving up following their own uncertainties in the backline.
After Arsenal extended William Saliba’s contract to 2030, Madrid put their foot on the Konate situation. However, L’Equipe suggests that Liverpool are now confident in retaining the French defender.
Konate rejected a £115,000-a-week bump in pay to keep his options open. The Frenchman’s current pay sits at £70,000-a-week, and the Reds are willing to shoot it up to £185,000-a-week, making him an eight-figure earner in euro terms.
His salary would’ve jumped to £9.6m (€11m) if he had accepted the renewal. However, it seems like the Merseysiders might offer a higher jump to keep him at Anfield.
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool signed these players from?
Liverpool still scouting replacements, and Real Madrid also won’t give up
Dayot Upamecano is another centre-back who’ll be a free agent at the end of this season. Real Madrid are keeping tabs on the Bayern Munich player, and Liverpool are also expected to be on the front foot.
However, Los Blancos are also keenly watching Konate’s situation as there have been no confirmations of an extension yet. Considering the history of the saga, anything can happen, so both clubs are keeping their options open.
The Reds are also interested in Ronald Araujo, whose situation at FC Barcelona isn’t certain. Marc Guehi is also at the top of the list, having been an almost done deal in the summer.
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