Liverpool Stand Firm on Defender While Planning Further Squad Additions | OneFootball

Liverpool Stand Firm on Ibrahima Konate Amid Transfer Activity

Liverpool have made it clear they have “no intention to sell Ibrahima Konate this window despite working on moves for two centre backs, as they continue to work towards a new contract for the France international,” according to the Mail.

The 26-year-old remains a cornerstone of Arne Slot’s defensive plans as the Premier League champions prepare for the new season. Real Madrid are understood to be monitoring developments closely, considering a move for Konate next year should contract talks stall. Other European clubs have also kept tabs on the situation, but Liverpool’s stance is firm.

Defensive Reinforcement Strategy

The Reds are actively pursuing Parma’s Giovanni Leoni and Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. Leoni, just 18, is viewed as one of the most promising defenders in Italy, though extracting him from Serie A this summer is expected to be a challenge. Guehi, valued at around £35 million including add-ons, is open to joining the champions if an agreement can be reached.

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Liverpool’s urgency to add depth stems from recent developments. Jarell Quansah’s sale to Bayer Leverkusen and Joe Gomez’s calf injury have left only Konate and 34-year-old captain Virgil van Dijk as fit senior centre-backs.

Transfer Market Movements

Away from defensive priorities, Liverpool are poised to bid again for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. The Sweden international remains a long-standing target and would add further firepower to an attack that has already evolved significantly under Slot.

Several players could depart before the window closes. Harvey Elliott, valued at £40 million with a buyback clause, is attracting strong interest from RB Leipzig. Kostas Tsimikas and Ben Doak are also available for the right offers, with Liverpool wanting more than £20 million for the Scotland international. Leeds United, West Ham, Wolves and Everton have all shown interest in Doak during the window.

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On the Leipzig theme, the Bundesliga side are in talks with Chelsea over Xavi Simons and have enquired about potential loans for Christopher Nkunku or Tyrique George. Federico Chiesa’s future remains uncertain and could depend on Liverpool’s incoming business.

Focus on Stability and Squad Depth

Konate’s retention underlines Liverpool’s intent to keep an experienced core while adding high-potential signings to maintain their title-winning momentum. With Guehi and Leoni in the frame, Slot’s defensive unit could soon blend youth, experience and versatility, giving the Reds both short-term assurance and long-term promise.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool supporters, the decision to keep Konate is the correct one. With Van Dijk now in the twilight of his career and Joe Gomez dealing with another injury setback, selling a first-choice centre-back would be unthinkable.

The push for Guehi and Leoni makes sense on both fronts, Guehi can step straight into Premier League action, while Leoni could be developed into a long-term successor. This blend of readiness and potential is exactly what has kept Liverpool competitive in recent years.

The rumoured renewed bid for Isak shows the club are still thinking about the bigger picture in attack. Supporters will be wary of losing Harvey Elliott, given his homegrown status and technical ability, but the inclusion of a buyback clause could offer reassurance.

Arne Slot’s first title defence will require not just quality, but depth. If Liverpool can secure their defensive targets while holding on to Konate, they will be well-placed to balance domestic ambitions with another push in Europe.