Not Guehi: £30m England defender tipped to replace Ibrahima Konate

It’s no secret that Liverpool are seeking to lock down the future of their defensive line.

Recent transfer moves have included deals for Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni - while other prospects including Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe are also arriving at Anfield.

And over the next few seasons - as Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez age out - the Reds will have the quality and numbers in the backline to start afresh.

But it’s the uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate’s contract that’s causing the most immediate pain - and that will require a parallel transfer pursuit.

Liverpool require an experienced defender

If the 26-year-old leaves as expected in summer 2026 it will open a sizeable gap in the heart of the defence.

And rather than throwing a teenager or a very young player into the mix right from the get-go it appears Richard Hughes is also thinking about adding a senior centre-back option.

We could therefore see a ready-made solution acquired in order to come in and hit the ground running alongside Van Dijk.

A new name on the list is Fikayo Tomori - with Anfield decision-makers now reported to be taking a close look at AC Milan’s England international defender.

Liverpool looking at Tomori

Tomori, 28, has been at San Siro since 2021 - winning the Serie A title in 2022 - but is only under contract until 2027.

Eyeing a return to the Premier League, Liverpool could take advantage of Tomori’s contract uncertainty and bring him home with a bargain deal.

Tomori is reported to be keen on a return to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad - as he has been marooned on five caps since 2023.

A report in Fichajes values the former Chelsea youth at around £30m - around the same price the Reds were willing to pay for Marc Guehi last summer.

Milan will of course have a chance to satisfy Tomori with a new contract but Liverpool will be right there for his signature - ready to test Milan’s resolve in summer.

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