Liverpool are yet to find stability in the back as Ibrahima Konate’s renewal doubts remain. The signing of Marc Guehi would’ve proved to ease the uncertainty a bit, but an immaterialisation has left the Merseysiders with only four centre-backs.
Giovanni Leoni suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury on his debut, further reducing the number to three. To Arne Slot’s surprise, Konate also went down against Chelsea.
Despite the setback, the Frenchman joined the French national team during the international break. However, he hasn’t been seen training with the team.
Teammate William Saliba described it as a minor injury, but further assessments are needed. Konate also has a contract expiring at the end of the season, which will leave Liverpool with only three centre-backs if Leoni makes a comeback.
Guehi is still on the Reds’ radar, but there are no guarantees, as Real Madrid are also a suitor there. With uncertainties all around, Slot has identified another centre-back who might make a move to Anfield next year.
Liverpool transfer interest grows in Belgian defender
Zeno Debast has emerged as an alternative for Marc Guehi (Credits: Imago Images)
According to Voetbal Nieuws, Sporting Lisbon’s Zeno Debast has attracted interest from Liverpool as an alternative to Marc Guehi.
The 21-year-old has a great eye for passing lanes as he spent chunks of his youth career in the midfield and sometimes even up front.
Following exponential physical growth, he settled as a centre-back. Now the Belgian has all the skills needed to be a defender in the modern game.
Portuguese media outlet Record also backs the claims, with Manchester United, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli also holding interest in Debast.
It goes without saying that a lot depends on Konate’s renewal and Guehi’s continued interest in a move to Anfield. Slot is eyeing a move for the latter, but a free summer transfer seems more plausible despite defensive uncertainties.
Liverpool Quiz: Can you name these 10 former Premier League players?
Ibrahima Konate’s renewal talks
Recently, Fabrizio Romano offered extensive updates on the defender’s progression with renewal at Anfield. The situation still seems to be stuck in limbo as nothing is set in stone yet.
“It’s another interesting situation because for Konaté, Liverpool are still in conversation with his agents. It’s been a special case because Konaté, one year ago, basically in October 2024, was on the verge of signing a new contract with Liverpool.”
“Then there have been some problems, some issues in the structure of this new deal, so the negotiation got delayed, and now the agreement is not done or closed, but they are still in conversation, between Konaté and Liverpool, so they are still talking, they are still discussing”, Romano said on the Here We Go Podcast.
