Liverpool Transfer Update: Latest on Marc Guehi, Antoine Semenyo and more | OneFootball

Liverpool 2026 Transfer Update: Marc Guehi, Antoine Semenyo and more

Liverpool face a decisive two window stretch that could define their long term direction under Arne Slot. With the club balancing contract dilemmas, major positional planning and the emergence of young talent, the picture painted by The Athletic captures a squad on the brink of meaningful evolution.

Konate’s Future and Defensive Priorities

The biggest unresolved question remains Ibrahima Konate. His contract expires in June 2026 and he can speak to overseas clubs from January, creating a situation that could accelerate Liverpool’s need to act. As highlighted, Liverpool want to extend his deal but negotiations have stalled. The report includes a key line that underscores where things stand: “Real Madrid have told Liverpool they now have no interest in recruiting him.”

That clarity at least removes one potential distraction, but it does not resolve the core issue. Slot and the recruitment team are well aware that Konate’s situation shapes everything that follows. Liverpool’s failure to land Marc Guehi over the summer demonstrated the thin margins involved. Their pursuit reflected what the article calls “the need for another centre-back,” amplified by Giovanni Leoni’s serious knee injury after arriving from Parma.

Photo: IMAGO

One senior figure from the club was described in the piece as being “fully focused on ensuring the balance of the back line is right for the next four years.” That is a quote that speaks to the scale of the decision ahead.

Market Options and Wide Forward Thinking

Guehi remains admired. Signing him in January would be difficult because his deal at Crystal Palace expires in the summer and the incentives for all parties are misaligned. The Athletic points out the crucial nuance, asking: “What benefit would it be for Guehi to leave early?” It is a fair question when a summer free transfer could put him in a far stronger negotiating position.

Beyond the defence, Liverpool’s interest in adding a pacy wide attacker is noted, with Antoine Semenyo name checked. However, Slot’s insistence that pathways for younger players remain open is a recurring theme. Rio Ngumoha and the recovering Jeremie Frimpong are part of that thinking, and the club’s stance is clear: only an exceptional market moment would shift their January approach.

Photo IMAGO

Sales, Loans and Squad Shaping

Liverpool are not in a rush to sell, having already moved on ten players from last season’s senior group. However, there are decisions coming. Harvey Elliott’s loan at Aston Villa is a storyline to monitor because his £35 million clause only triggers with ten appearances. “Liverpool may have to consider what to do next if he returns by default,” the article reports.

Joe Gomez could be another long term consideration should a centre-half arrive. Federico Chiesa is admired by several clubs, but the player has insisted he wants to make a larger impact in the second half of the campaign.

Liverpool will also review loan opportunities for Trey Nyoni and several Under 21 players once the window opens.

Contract Calls and Senior Leadership

Konate is not the only contract puzzle. Andy Robertson’s deal is also expiring and Liverpool value him highly. Yet Milos Kerkez’s arrival hints at longer term transition planning. Robertson’s form remains strong and the club are not rushing the decision.

Alisson’s situation looks more straightforward given Liverpool hold an option until 2027. His own words offer reassurance: “I have one year left on my contract and another year of club option, which they will probably exercise.” Talks for Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch are expected to begin soon.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Liverpool supporters will read this report with a mixture of confidence and curiosity. The defensive situation feels like the defining theme because supporters know how vital structure is to Slot’s system. Konate’s renewal would provide stability, but the longer it drifts, the louder anxiety becomes. Fans admire him, but there is also a growing acceptance that the club may need to prepare for life without him.

The mention of Guehi will excite many because he feels like the perfect long term partner for Virgil van Dijk’s successor phase. Supporters will wonder whether Liverpool will push harder this time, especially after the frustration of missing out in the summer window. The injury to Leoni only sharpens that need.

In attack, Semenyo’s name will spark debate. Liverpool fans always analyse wide forwards intensely, but Slot’s wish to protect pathways for Ngumoha and the intrigue of Frimpong on the right adds a fresh wrinkle. Supporters are keen to see how Salah’s AFCON absence is covered and whether the club are willing to gamble on internal options.

Contractually, fans will hope Robertson remains part of the squad next season even as Kerkez emerges. His leadership and experience during a title winning campaign were vital and supporters would want that influence retained.

Overall, the report signals that 2026 could be a transformative year in Liverpool’s squad build. Supporters understand the scale of the decisions coming and will watch every development closely, especially at centre-back and in the wide attacking areas.