Liverpool hit transfer roadblock in chase for 18-year-old wonderkid

Even though Arne Slot's Liverpool future is under question, that doesn't mean that the Reds have stopped exploring the transfer market for new targets.

Although some potential transfers such as Nico Schlotterbeck have fallen through, there's still plenty of options on the market for Liverpool to explore.

Almost every area of the Reds' team could do with a new player or two being added to it and, unless they manage to do this, it's hard to see how they'll do any better next season.

And, if they endure another season like the 2025-26 campaign, fans will be far from pleased.

So, that's why it's hardly surprising to see new players being linked with a move to L4 every week. However, much like Schlotterbeck, another door has now been closed in Liverpool's pursuit for defensive reinforcement.

Jorthy Mokio has extended his contract with Ajax despite Liverpool's interest

Even though Ibrahima Konate looks likely to extend his Liverpool contract before the end of the season, Slot could still do with a new centre-back being brought in.

Joe Gomez has been a fraction of his former self this season with his injuries massively hindering his progress with the Anfield outfit.

This has cause several centre-backs to be linked with an Anfield switch in the summer with the club still looking for their Virgil van Dijk successor.

And now, despite Liverpool's interest in signing him, Ajax's Jorthy Mokio has agreed a new deal with his current club, ruling out a deal with Liverpool this summer.

"Ajax and Jorthy Mokio have reached an agreement on a new contract," the Dutch club shared via their website.

"The Belgian player’s new deal runs for five years, from July 1, 2026 until June 30, 2031.

"His previous contract was set to expire on June 30, 2027."

Liverpool must now focus their attention elsewhere

Liverpool's defence is one of the main areas of their team to have let them down this season.

Several members of their first-team squad have performed well below their usual standards with fans questioning whether it would even be worth giving Konate a new deal.

Their full-backs haven't been up to much either with Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong only just getting their heads around being a Liverpool player.

Indeed, a lot of the signings made this season could come into their own next term but, if Slot and Richard Hughes want to guarantee success, some new additions will need to be made.

It's still unclear how much money Liverpool will have to spend this summer, especially after what they spent last year.

But, if they can bring in one or two extra defenders alongside Jacquet, they'll be well on their way to making up for their short-comings this term.

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