Arne Slot apparently does not rate Ibrahima Konate highly, hence Liverpool has a defensive conundrum. Football Insider claims that Slots’s lack of faith in Konate might seriously harm Liverpool’s defense as the next season gets ready. Liverpool has been silent in the transfer scene so far without making any significant acquisition. The Reds are after Martin Zubimendi, but beyond that there are no obvious connections to fresh first-team players. This inaction can increase the ambiguity about Liverpool’s defense.
Arne Slot also has to consider the unknown futures of important defenders as Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk. All three are subject to conjecture; Gomez especially links to Newcastle United. Complicating matters further is Slot’s claimed lack of confidence in Konate. This has bred uncertainty on the future of the French defender at Anfield.
Is Ibrahima Konate Leaving Liverpool?
Newcastle United is closing in on Marc Guehi, a possible target Liverpool walked away from for his exorbitant asking price. Guehi may have been a great addition to Liverpool’s defense and a potential Konate successor. But Guehi’s recent injury record has caused questions within Slot’s analytical staff, which could have affected Liverpool’s decision to withdraw from the chase.
Last year Konate’s season was marred by injuries and erratic play. He missed a number of games and was conspicuously missing after a subpar Merseyside Derby performance. His challenges persisted with crowd displeasure during a pre-season game against Manchester United. Slot seems to wonder if Konate’s abilities—particularly his ball control—meet the expectations for the next season.
Though there are some ties to defenders like Gleison Bremer and Goncalo Inacio, Liverpool’s transfer activity is still very meager. Though no agreements are near, Joachim Andersen of Crystal Palace is also said to be a target. Should Slot’s misgivings about Konate be justified, Liverpool might have further defensive issues. A major championship push may need much more from Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez than just substitutes for Van Dijk.
Should Konate go, Liverpool’s defense instability may be a big obstacle. Liverpool could find it difficult to create a consistent defense for the next season with limited quality transfer choices and untested performance of present players like Gomez and Quansah.
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Liverpool is looking at their midfield choices and have lately added Adrien Rabiot as a possible substitute for Martin Zubimendi, their main aim. Football Insider notes that while Liverpool is still eager to acquire Zubimendi, Rabiot is under discussion given the issues surrounding the Spaniard’s relocation.
The concept of Zubimendi filling Liverpool’s new No. 6 has generated excitement among the supporters of the club. For their midfield this window, the club considers him as a major focus. Seeking to guarantee the midfielder’s move, they are aggressively talking with Real Sociedad. Still, obstacles exist. One big obstacle is Zubimendi’s dedication to his childhood club, where he has spent his whole career.
For Zubimendi, Real Sociedad has set a release clause of slightly over £51 million, which they want paid in whole. Liverpool’s preferred method of payment is in installments, hence their search might be hampered. Liverpool is leaving their choices open to negotiate these complexity, hence Rabiot is a desirable choice.
