Move over Marc Guehi: Liverpool have got a NEW No1 centre-back target | OneFootball

Liverpool remain in limbo over the contract situation of Ibrahima Konate.

The French defender, 26, is out of contract in summer 2026 - and if no new deal is sorted then he will leave for free.

Real Madrid are lying in wait for the France international - who first joined the Reds from RB Leipzig back in 2021 for £35m.

It’s fair to say it took Ibou a while to truly establish himself - but last season he emerged as Virgil van Dijk’s preferred defensive partner as the Anfield side romped to the 2024/25 Premier League title.

Liverpool like Ousmane Diomande

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes will be keen to avoid losing Konate on a free - but plans are being drawn up to replace him should that eventuality arise.

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Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace remains of interest and Ronald Araujo could also been seen as a senior option for the Reds. And now another name has emerged on the list - with Fichajes linking Liverpool with a winter move for Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande.

The 21-year-old is the usual partner of another reported Liverpool target in Goncalo Inacio - but has been out of the Sporting lineup during the early part of the season due to injury.

Reds willing to move in January

The Ivorian is only under contract at the Lisbon side until 2027 and if no breakthrough in talks is reached with his current club then he could be the next big-money sale.

“Liverpool are willing to make a move for him during the winter transfer window,” the report reads.

“The 21-year-old Ivorian international from Sporting CP has caught the attention of the Reds, who are looking to strengthen their defense following the uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konaté's future.”

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Liverpool's centre-back shortage

It’s not only Konate’s contract which could press Liverpool into taking transfer action in the new year. Arne Slot currently only has THREE senior first-team options available to him at centre-back in the shape of Virgil van Dijk, Konate and Joe Gomez.

To add to the Reds’ woes - Konate would appear to be injured having been substituted against Chelsea last weekend and subsequently missing training for France.

Another defender, 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni, was bought from Parma for £26m over summer but suffered a torn ACL on debut. Therefore we could see Diomande arrive as an emergency January signing.