Liverpool set DEADLINE for centre-back deal

Liverpool have got several issues to solve at centre-back this summer. The club conducted excellent business just before the end of the 2024/25 season - signing Virgil van Dijk to a renewed contract.

The Dutchman will play for the Reds until 2027 - giving Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes some much-needed stability in their planning for the future.

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But around Van Dijk, uncertainty reigns.

Jarell Quansah isn’t assured of his status for next season as Liverpool may opt to cash in if any suitors come forward with an acceptable offer.

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Joe Gomez could also see his future come into doubt. Liverpool entertained bids for the 28-year-old last summer and it’s easy to see more interest materialising for the England man this summer.

Liverpool set Konate deadline

But perhaps the biggest issues Liverpool have got concern Ibrahima Konate. The Frenchman is out of contract in 2026 and there have been no breakthroughs in talks over a new deal as yet.

Having signed from RB Leipzig in 2021, Konate finally found rhythm and consistency around Van Dijk last season and their partnership went a long way towards deciding the fate of the title.

Liverpool are now reported to be seeking a swift resolution to the contract conundrum.

A new item on Football Insider claims that the club have got a deadline in mind for a new deal for Konate.

Liverpool looking at centre-back targets

Talks are set to ramp up over the next few weeks and months in order to tie down Konate to a new deal. It is believed the Merseysiders want Konate’s future sorted out by the end of this window one way or another.

If he doesn’t want to sign a new contract then he could well be sold. Liverpool are keen to avoid a repeat of the Trent Alexander-Arnold situation.

But if he does sign a new contract then presumably all movement will cease regarding signing a new starting centre-back.

The Reds have been linked with various candidates in the position - including Tomas Araujo, Jorrel Hato and Goncalo Inacio. There is an opportunity for the club to force through one of these deals in the transfer window.

But if Konate’s contract talks reach a satisfactory conclusion then we may see plans for a new signing at the back put to the back burner.

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The clock is ticking. Now it’s time for the club and Konate to find an agreement - or else a new signing will be coming instead.