Centre-back poker game could see Konate end up at SURPRISE club | OneFootball

There is set to be a high–profile centre-back poker game next summer and Liverpool are right in the middle of it.

If they don’t play their cards right they may well end up empty-handed. The issue concerns three players primarily - Ibrahima Konate, Dayot Upemecano and Marc Guehi.

All three are out of contract in summer 2026 and top clubs around the continent are all paying close attention. Konate has been with the Reds since 2021 - but looks increasingly likely to leave at the end of the season.

If that happens then the Anfield club would love to replace him with Guehi - although competition is set to increase for a player Liverpool thought they had on deadline day.

Konate at centre of defenders poker game

And then there’s Upamecano to consider.

Just like Liverpool and Konate, Bayern Munich are fearful that their 26-year-old French centre-back will NOT sign a new contract and instead move elsewhere.

Upamecano could end up at Real Madrid - and Liverpool have also been tipped as outsiders for his signature. It’s unlikely that Madrid end up with both Upamecano AND Konate however.

Bayern in talks for Konate deal

And that’s where Bayern Munich come into the mix for Konate.

According to Foot Mercato, discussions are underway between the Bavarians and the France international defender. FC Hollywood are looking to safeguard against the departure of Upamecano by replacing him with his Les Bleus colleague.

“Discussions have already taken place with the entourage of the Frenchman, whose contract with Liverpool expires next June,” a report reads.

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Guehi to end up at Liverpool

So the situation could end up looking like this.

Konate leaves Liverpool at the end of his contract and joins Bayern Munich. He would come to the club in place of Upamecano - who will join Real Madrid.

And Liverpool in an ideal world end up replacing Konate with Guehi.

It’s been described as Konate’s “dream” to sign for Real Madrid but he might end up edged out if they go for Upamecano instead.

Indeed it’s claimed that Upa already has a verbal agreement in place with the 15-time European champions. Three defenders, three expiring contracts - and one very high-stakes game of transfer poker.