Three names Liverpool could consider as Ibrahima Konate replacement, one already has Virgil van Dijk’s approval

The future of Ibrahima Konate at Liverpool remains uncertain, with there being no progress in contract talks.

Ibrahima Konate’s current deal runs until the summer of 2026, and the player is yet to come to an agreement with Liverpool regarding a new deal.

According to TBR Football, Konate is reportedly demanding a substantial amount of money from Liverpool to sign a new contract. However, the report indicated that the demand for a major salary rise is to stall contract talks and engineer a move away on a free transfer.

Real Madrid have shown interest in signing Konate, but it has been previously suggested that they could be employing a similar strategy to the one used with Trent Alexander-Arnold, encouraging the Frenchman to run down his contract to sign for free.

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images/Getty Images For The Premier League

According to Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the 26-year-old has made it clear he only wants to join Real Madrid if he does leave Anfield. The Spanish giants aren’t actively pushing for a move this summer, but a deal could be on the cards next year.

With Konate potentially on his way out, Liverpool may need to find a replacement soon. Here are three defenders who could step in.

Marc Guehi – Crystal Palace

The defender they have been linked with most recently is Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.

Guehi has emerged as a serious target for Liverpool whose situation at Palace is similar to Konate’s at Liverpool.

His contract expires next summer, and Guehi is not looking to sign a new contract with the club.

However, Palace owner Steve Parish reportedly has no plans to sell Guehi on a reduced fee, with the club asking £50m for the defender.

Liverpool’s stance was that they would rather wait for a year and sign him on a free. Whether the stance remains the same or if they decide to swoop in for him now to avoid competition next year remains to be seen.

Jorrel Hato – Ajax

Liverpool have also been linked with Ajax star Jorrel Hato for a few months.

There is a growing Dutch influence at the club since the appointment of Arne Slot, and Hato could potentially become the next Dutch player to move to Anfield.

The 19-year-old has risen through the ranks at Ajax, breaking into the first team in 2023 and quickly establishing himself as a regular starter.

His emergence has garnered a lot of praise, with Virgil van Dijk already giving the Reds his seal of approval.

Hato, who is valued at around £40m, is a versatile left-footed defender who can play multiple positions, including centre-back and left-back

Stat Jorrel Hato Marc Guehi Castello Lukeba Tackles 58 61 31 Tackle Won 36 34 17 Tackles – Def 3rd 27 36 15 Tackles – Mid 3rd 23 23 12 Tackles – Att 3rd 8 2 4 Tackles Attempted 43 47 24 Tackle Success % 76.7% 66.0% 70.8% Tackles Lost 10 16 7 Blocks 35 55 29 Interceptions 22 28 17 Tackles + Intercepts 80 89 48 Clearances 66 163 74 Errors 4 2 0 Detailed stats comparing 24/25 – Jorrel Hato vs Marc Guehi vs Castello Lukeba

Castello Lukeba – RB Leipzig

Castello Lukeba is another player recently linked with Liverpool.

TBR Football has revealed that the Reds are among clubs showing an interest in Lukeba. They like the France U21 star; however, there is an issue with his price tag.

The 22-year-old is valued at over £70m, a fee Liverpool are not looking to spend this summer unless Konate leaves.

Liverpool will also face stiff competition for his signature with a number of top clubs showing interest in him in England and Europe.

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