Liverpool ready to replace Ibrahima Konate with 'SPECIAL' defender

Liverpool are looking to reinforce their options in the January transfer window and could line up a replacement for Ibrahima Konate.

The Frenchman has often been at the scene of the 'crime' according to Arne Slot and there's no denying he has struggled this season.

Whether it's the looming uncertainty over his future or just the general lack of structure in the team, Konate's poor performances are not being helped by the club's lack of depth.

Even if Slot wanted to, he cannot just drop the centre-back. He simply doesn't have any options. Joe Gomez's fitness is unreliable and Giovanni Leoni has been out injured since September.

So, Liverpool need to bring in someone else, and they need to do it in the January window. Otherwise the club's entire season could be in jeopardy. If it isn't already...

Marc Guehi is the obvious choice but it remains unlikely that he would move on in January with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. It's far more likely that Guehi will leave Crystal Palace as a free agent.

So if it's not Guehi, who else could Liverpool target?

Well according to Sky Sports in Switzerland, the Reds are looking at Jeremy Jacquet as an option to replace Konate.

The report claims that the club's scouts have followed him extensively and believe that he has 'something special.'

As a result the recruitment team are now ready to make an attempt to sign the 20-year-old Rennes defender who is one of the most sought after talents at the French side.

Jacquet makes a lot of sense. There is simply not many better defenders among his age peers in European football right now. He's got everything to reach the very top level of the game.

Not only is he fast, he's strong in his duels and reads the game really well. On top of everything, he's someone who is comfortable on the ball. He can go long and make great vertical passes, as well as deal well under pressure in the build-up.

Being so young, the sky is the limit for him. He's literally got the potential to be one of the best centre-backs in world football. Capable of playing that RCB role, the prospect of him playing alongside Virgil van Dijk is mouthwatering.

That's a partnership that could thrive. In the long-term having Giovanni Leoni alongside him is equally as exciting. If the Italian can bounce back from his ACL injury, he will be a formidable asset for Liverpool.

Those two will mean Liverpool's future centre-back duo sorted for the next decade.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 A new centre-back is COMING to Liverpool

👉🏻 Liverpool finally replace Trent Alexander-Arnold with brilliant playmaker

👉🏻 Centre-back confirms he's ready to join Liverpool