Liverpool’s centre-back panorama could also be about to shift once more as uncertainty continues to encompass two essential defenders.
The state of affairs has taken one other flip after Christian Falk, writing for cfbayerninsider.com, recommended that Ibou Konate desires readability over his future and is aware of the membership might look to maneuver him on in January if no contract settlement is reached.
The French worldwide has already spoken publicly whereas away with France, telling reporters that “my brokers are nonetheless discussing with Liverpool” as he waits to resolve his long-term plans.
The Bayern Munich angle provides additional stress as a result of Falk claims the Bundesliga champions would “love to have the ability to add certainly one of Konate or Guehi” as they assess the potential of shedding Dayot Upamecano and even Kim Min-jae.
Liverpool’s contract concern with Konate takes centre stage
From our perspective, maintaining the 26-year-old appears the wise end result as a result of he stays one of many few defenders able to matching Virgil van Dijk bodily, even when his efficiency at Manchester Metropolis – the place Erling Haaland rose above him for the opener – will likely be contemporary within the reminiscence.
His elevated availability underneath Slot makes the contractual hesitation much more important.
Particularly after our head coach insisted that centre-back recruitment “is the very last thing on my thoughts” throughout Friday’s press convention, whereas nonetheless name-checking choices equivalent to Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo who might cowl the function if completely required.
Liverpool nonetheless main the chase for Marc Guehi switch
Falk additionally reaffirmed that we stay “within the lead” for Marc Guehi, who wished to come back to us in the summertime and had reached the medical stage earlier than Crystal Palace walked away late within the day.
Arne Slot was straight requested concerning the England worldwide on Friday however refused to be drawn in for a solution however Falk says Palace’s captain is “heading within the route of Liverpool”.
Including Guehi would rebuild depth after the departures of Jarell Quansah and Nat Phillips, whereas additionally easing the workload on Giovanni Leoni, who’s a long-term damage absentee – leaving us low on choices on the again.
The dilemma is straightforward: if Konate doesn’t commit, we are going to want Guehi much more – although we’re prone to want each given the decreased numbers on this place.
The following switch window might subsequently outline the form of our defence for years to come back.
You may view Slot’s pre-Nottingham Forest press convention by way of Empire of the Kop on YouTube:
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