Liverpool have already decided who their Ibrahima Konate replacement is going to be | OneFootball

Ibrahima Konate's future has been a major topic of conversation at Anfield for some time now.

At the start of the 2025-26 season, most fans were wanting to see the back of the Frenchman but, now that he's managed to improve his performances over the last month or so, opinions seem to be split.

However, one thing that hasn't changed is the fact that, by the time July comes around, the defender will no longer be a Liverpool player.

Konate's contract is set to expire in June 2026 and, even though Liverpool clearly want the centre-back to stay, other clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have long been linked with a move.

No official confirmation has been shared about what Konate is going to do but, after the latest transfer update to emerge from Anfield, it seems like the Frenchman's future is set in stone.

Joel Ordonez is likely to be Liverpool's replacement for Ibrahima Konate

The last few months have been filled with defenders getting linked with a Liverpool transfer.

The Reds' defence has been the bane of their existence recently which is why so many top-class players have been linked with moves.

And now, according to a report from Sports Boom, Liverpool are willing to spend around £40 million to acquire the services of Joel Ordonez.

The Ecuadorian has been linked with Arne Slot's men for as long as many can remember but, up until now, the negotiations never really felt advanced.

And, to put the transfer in Liverpool's favour even more, an interview with the defender from Belgian outlet GVA has just emerged where he admits that, when he was younger, he supported Liverpool and that playing in the Premier League would be a dream come true.

Although £40 million is obviously a lot for a 21-year-old who's never played in one of Europe's top five leagues, it feels like it would be money well spent.

Joel Ordonez joining Liverpool makes a lot of sense

Although Ordonez may not be as versatile as someone such as Nico Schlotterbeck, his talent is undeniable.

For the last year or so, the Ecuadorian has been linked with some of Europe's biggest clubs and now, it finally feels like he could get his move.

Ordonez is a natural centre-back but there has been occasions when he's been used as a defensive midfielder.

He's been used in a four at the back formation for most of his career which means he'd fit straight into Slot's plans.

And, even though he's only 21, he's already got plenty of Champions League experience under his belt which is essential for the Reds.

When he's on the ball he's always very composed and even though he's a defender, he also has a keen eye for a pass which sets him apart from his peers.

Ordonez is also used as a right-sided centre-back so, if Konate does leave, he'd be able to fill the void left by the Frenchman without having to adapt his game.

These are just a few things that Ordonez's transfer would bring to the table and, with the transfer fees that some clubs are demanding for their players at the moment, £40 million seems like a more than fair deal.