Liverpool line up fantastic 22-year-old to replace Ibrahima Konate | OneFootball

Liverpool have a 22-year-old defender in mind to replace Ibrahima Konate. The Frenchman could leave this summer.

It looks more and more likely that Ibrahima Konate will leave Liverpool. His contract expires this summer and the Reds don’t appear to be making any real progress on a renewal.

Richard Hughes has tried to get him tied down for a long time now. Over 18 months, in fact.

But it’s been a struggle and time is running out. Liverpool actually need to find replacements now as they can’t afford to start looking in July once the contract is officially over.

It does appear that they have one in mind, however.

Ibrahima Konate: Situation Summary

Contract Standoff and Deadlines

Konaté is in the final months of his current deal, set to expire in June 2026. While David Ornstein reports that "cordial" and "constructive" talks are ongoing, no breakthrough has been achieved. Liverpool has reportedly set an Easter deadline for the 26-year-old to commit to a new long-term contract or face being sold this summer to avoid a free transfer exit. His representatives are reportedly seeking wages in the region of £200,000 per week, a figure the club has yet to meet.

Transfer Interest

Real Madrid, PSG, and Inter Milan are all closely monitoring the situation. Real Madrid, in particular, views Konaté as a priority target to replace ageing defenders, potentially reuniting him with former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Season Performance

Despite off-field distractions and a period of compassionate leave in January, Konaté has been a mainstay in Arne Slot’s defence. He has made 41 appearances this season, recording 2 goals, including a header in the 4-1 win over Newcastle. However, his form has been erratic, punctuated by a difficult performance in the recent Champions League loss to Galatasaray.

Analysis: Nnamdi Collins to Liverpool

Football Insider reports that Liverpool have their eyes on Nnamdi Collins and want to sign the Eintracht Frankfurt star this summer. Collins, who plays both at centre-back and right-back, could join a group in place of Konate.

And he'd actually be one of the more senior options at 22. Virgil van Dijk is turning 35, of course, but the only guarantees beyond that are Jeremy Jacquet (20) and Giovanni Leoni (19).

It feels like Collins would jump in to plenty of minutes, then, and potentially take Konate's role. That's on the understanding that Joe Gomez is likely to leave.

But this might be the plan. Liverpool are building for their future and giving someone like Collins a season with Van Dijk could explode him forward in development.