Report: Liverpool's stance on summer move for centre-back shared after Ibrahima Konate update
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.
For much of the season, Liverpool have been linked with potential centre-back signings going into the summer.Alessandro Bastoni doesn’t seem keen, but the Reds are able to activate Nico Schlotterbeck’s release clause by July 19 if they wish.However, while Schlotterbeck may be available to Liverpool, it now looks unlikely that a new central defender will be arriving at Anfield in the summer. You can only pick ONE player for Liverpool to sign this summer, who is it?
Who should Richard Hughes be targeting above all… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones Liverpool not expected to sign centre-backIt comes after an update from Ibrahima Konate this week, as per The Times, all but confirming he is going to agree fresh terms and will not be leaving as a free agent in the summer.He said: “I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible but we are in a good way. “I’m waiting to sort the contract but when everything is sorted you will have to ask Richard [Hughes, the sporting director] what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.”Following on from those comments, Paul Joyce of The Times wrote that ‘should there be no final hitches in talks, then Liverpool’s centre-back options look set for next season, allowing them to prioritise other positions in the transfer market this summer.’At present, that means Virgil van Dijk, Konate, Giovanni Leoni, Jeremy Jacquet and Joe Gomez will make up Arne Slot’s centre-back options come 2026/27.
Which Liverpool legend will you miss more: Mohamed Salah or Virgil van Dijk? Two of the greats came up with the heroics against Everton, but nothing lasts forever… ☹️ Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images Defender could still leave Liverpool in summer transfer windowHowever, there is a chance that one of those names secures a move before next season gets underway.David Lynch explained earlier this year that Gomez is likely to leave Liverpool in the coming months.He said: “I think you can make the case to sign a centre half who can play right back because you can 100% guarantee Liverpool are going to need one of those next season because Joe Gomez is very unlikely to be here.”Granted, Gomez is also right-back cover, so that may be the area Liverpool look to prioritise instead if the Englishman departs.But he is a centre-back option as well, so perhaps a new central defender arriving in the next window cannot be 100% ruled out.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox