Arne Slot is in a tough spot this season as the manager might be wishing to had signed Marc Guehi in the summer. With only two defenders in the available list, the Dutchman faces a big dilemma in the upcoming transfer windows.
Giovanni Leoni was the first to go down as the Italian teenager couldn’t finish his debut against Southampton. Having injured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the 18-year-old won’t be playing football for a year.
Ibrahima Konate was the next victim as the Frenchman went down against Chelsea in Liverpool’s last game before the October international break.
Despite the concerns, he joined the French national team for duty but was disappointed later when he was forced to pull out without making a single appearance.
His transfer saga remains a problem in the background with the centre-back’s contract expiring at the end of this season. Real Madrid are the top contenders to sign him in the summer, but renewal talks are still in progress at Anfield.
Ibrahima Konate and Real Madrid
Real Madrid continue their pursuit of Ibrahima Konate (Credits: Imago Images)
Despite the interest, Los Blancos might have changed their priorities for the upcoming summer. According to Spanish outlet Cadena SER, the Spanish giants are offering £17m to Dayot Upamecano, as Konate’s international teammate is also out of contract at the end of this season.
E-Noticies, a Catalan news outlet, claims that Konate isn’t happy with the move as Real Madrid continue prioritising Upamecano over the Liverpool centre-back.
Xabi Alonso is also considering other options, like Marc Guehi, who is also on Liverpool’s radar. Upamecano also remains a keen participant in the Reds’ transfer list, but it is to be seen what decisions are made at Anfield.
Fabrizio Romano last reported that talks between the Merseysiders and Konate are ongoing. The English outfit started new talks over a renewal following the collapse of previous ones.
However, it looks like there is not much progress on that front. Slot is already down to three centre-backs this season after Konate gets back on the pitch, and the Dutchman will have to make decisions quickly.
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Liverpool’s depth crisis
AC Milan are also willing to reignite their interest in Joe Gomez for the January transfer window. With two defenders already halfway through the door, the remainder of the season is going to be tough in terms of stability.
Slot might still make a move for Marc Guehi in January, but might also be unwilling to make any moves in the back during the new year, considering stability issues.
