Report: Liverpool plotting huge move to sign Tottenham Hotspur star | OneFootball

Liverpool eye contingency plans as Konate uncertainty grows

Liverpool’s summer planning appears anything but passive, and this latest report from TeamTalk paints a picture of a recruitment department ready to pivot quickly if circumstances demand. With Ibrahima Konate again linked to Real Madrid and no contract extension agreed, the club are clearly weighing risk versus readiness.

TeamTalk report that “Liverpool would be prepared to move for an experienced centre back this summer should Ibrahima Konate leave the club”, despite the recent capture of Jeremy Jacquet. That detail matters. Jacquet has been signed with first team intent rather than as a slow burn project, yet the club’s stance suggests he would complement, not immediately replace, Konate’s presence.

Liverpool’s hierarchy remain wary of allowing another high value asset to drift towards a free transfer. As the article notes, “with his current deal running down, Konate would be eligible to leave on a free transfer, something Liverpool are keen to avoid but have been cautious of”. That caution reflects lessons learned in previous contract sagas.

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Real Madrid pressure intensifies contract dilemma

Real Madrid’s shifting market position is a key driver here. Their pool of elite free agent centre backs has narrowed sharply, with Dayot Upamecano committing to Bayern Munich and Marc Guehi moving to Manchester City. TeamTalk suggest these developments have “further sharpened Madrid’s focus on Konate”.

From Liverpool’s perspective, that creates urgency. If Madrid’s interest solidifies, the club must decide whether to cash in early or gamble on renewal talks. Either path demands preparation, especially when replacing a defender with Konate’s physical profile and Champions League pedigree.

Van de Ven emerges as standout contingency

One name stands out as a potential response. TeamTalk state clearly, “We understand Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven remains very much on Liverpool’s radar in that scenario”. The Dutch international ticks several boxes, Premier League proven, athletic, and already operating at elite tempo.

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Crucially, Liverpool would be seeking “a proven option”, rather than relying solely on Jacquet’s upside. Van de Ven’s experience alongside Cristian Romero gives him a profile aligned with Liverpool’s immediate needs should Konate depart.

Tottenham, however, face their own defensive uncertainty. The report adds that Spurs are “bracing themselves for a summer showdown” amid renewed speculation over Romero, who has been linked with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. That instability could open a door, albeit an expensive one.

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From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this report inspires cautious optimism rather than anxiety. Konate leaving would sting, there is no denying his importance when fit, but the idea that the club are already mapping out elite alternatives is reassuring.

Someone like Micky van de Ven feels tailor made for that approach, quick across the ground, comfortable in possession, and already hardened by Premier League battles.

The fact that Liverpool moved early for Jeremy Jacquet also speaks volumes. It suggests a layered plan, blending youth and readiness, rather than a single reactive signing. As fans, that is exactly what we want to see, foresight instead of firefighting.

There is also confidence to be drawn from Liverpool’s refusal to be boxed into a free transfer scenario. If Konate renews, brilliant. If not, reinvesting in a top level defender sends a clear message that standards will not slip under Slot.

In truth, this feels like a club acting from strength. The next few months will define the outcome, but Liverpool supporters can take heart from the clarity of thinking outlined in this report.