Liverpool confident of landing key target amid Madrid interest in defender | OneFootball

Liverpool Confident Guehi Will Replace Konate as Madrid Close In

Defensive shake-up as Madrid advance for Konate

Liverpool are preparing to submit a significant offer for Marc Guehi in a move that could be concluded quickly, according to TeamTalk. The push to sign the England international has intensified as Ibrahima Konate edges closer to a transfer to Real Madrid, with sources suggesting that the Spanish giants believe they are close to securing a deal.

Konate’s contract is due to expire in less than 12 months, and while discussions around an extension have taken place, no agreement has been reached. Real Madrid, who also signed Trent Alexander-Arnold earlier this summer, appear ready to strike again. An offer in the region of €46 million (£40 million) is expected to be enough to secure the French defender’s services.

Guehi targeted as ready-made replacement

Liverpool, having identified Guehi as a long-standing target, are now poised to accelerate talks with Crystal Palace. Personal terms are believed to have already been agreed with the 24-year-old, and the club are confident that a formal offer will soon lead to a breakthrough.

Palace, whose stance all summer has been that Guehi would only be sold at the right price, are understood to be open to a deal in the £40 million range. The valuation falls within Liverpool’s spending plan, especially with funds incoming from Konate’s expected departure.

Photo: IMAGO

The England defender’s profile has long appealed to Liverpool’s recruitment team. Strong in duels, comfortable in possession and tactically disciplined, Guehi is considered an ideal partner for Virgil van Dijk in the medium-to-long term. With Arne Slot keen to maintain the defensive cohesion that helped deliver the Premier League title last season, timing is key. Liverpool believe acting now will avoid being left short during the campaign.

Alonso lays groundwork for Madrid’s next move

Konate’s likely exit to Madrid has been accelerated by Xabi Alonso’s growing influence at the Santiago Bernabéu. The former Liverpool midfielder, now in charge at Madrid, has made no secret of his desire to strengthen defensively after their 4-0 defeat to PSG in the Club World Cup semi-finals.

Photo: IMAGO

In public comments made following the loss, Alonso stated:“This championship has told me many things about what we are and what we have to improve. I leave with a plan in place for next year, in which we recover players and there will be changes.”

Privately, Defensa Central reports Alonso has told Florentino Perez, “He’s a fantastic player, powerful, with speed, good heading… a great centre-back for Madrid.”

Konate, who formed a commanding partnership with Van Dijk last season, played a vital role in Liverpool’s title win. Losing him to a direct European rival is not ideal, but given his contract situation, Liverpool have accepted that a sale this summer may be the most pragmatic outcome.

Photo: IMAGO

Strategy aligns with long-term squad planning

Liverpool have already added six new players this window, but the club are determined to avoid reactive business. The plan to reinvest any income from outgoing players like Konate into high-quality replacements has been part of the wider transfer strategy under the new sporting structure.

With Alexander-Arnold also departing for Madrid earlier in the summer, Liverpool are keen not to allow a repeat scenario. By proactively lining up Guehi and engaging Crystal Palace in negotiations now, the club believe they are mitigating risk while enhancing squad depth.

While there is confidence in the timing and structure of the Guehi deal, it is also understood that Liverpool will not go above their set valuation. A £40 million bid is expected to be final, with the belief that it is a fair figure for a player with 1 year left on his contract.

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For Liverpool supporters, there is a sense of familiarity in how this transfer window is unfolding. One key player goes to Madrid, then another. But unlike past seasons, there is now a feeling of structure and intent behind the club’s reaction.

Guehi is not a panic buy. He has been tracked for months, fits the profile and has the added bonus of Premier League experience. That matters when trying to replace someone as physically and tactically dominant as Konate.

There will naturally be frustration at losing another core player, especially one who played such a crucial role in last season’s title win. But the club cannot afford to let players walk for free. If Konate will not sign, cashing in now and using those funds wisely is sound business.

Supporters will also be encouraged by how quickly the Guehi move seems to be progressing. Personal terms in place, a fee within budget and a clear role waiting for him. If Liverpool can close the deal swiftly, it may soften the blow of Konate’s departure and maintain stability in the back line.

In a summer of change, certainty in defence matters. Guehi could provide just that.