Liverpool get centre-back boost as surprise target lays out conditions for deal

Liverpool are facing ongoing uncertainty in the centre-back department. Sporting director Richard Hughes attempted to add Marc Guehi to the squad on deadline day - but was thwarted when Crystal Palace pulled out of the deal at the last minute.

The reason for the £35m bid for the England man is due to a lack of clarity over Ibrahima Konate. Konate, 26, is out of contract in 2026 and there has been no indication so far that he is willing to renew.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas away range

Liverpool also managed to add Giovanni Leoni to their ranks over the summer with the 18-year-old Italian signing from Parma for £26m. But Leoni was brought in to cover the loss of Jarell Quansah.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas away range

The Reds could probably do with one more defender - regardless of what’s going to happen with Konate.

Liverpool seeking centre-backs

A Guehi alternative that emerged a few weeks ago was Jan Paul van Hecke. The 25-year-old Dutch international is a partner for Virgil van Dijk for the Oranje - and has been tipped to move on from Brighton sooner rather than later.

Van Hecke is under contract at the Amex until 2027 - and Football Insider now claims that he is stalling over a new deal.

Should Brighton be unable to reach an agreement with their 2024/25 Player of the Year then they will need to consider a sale before his value diminishes any further.

Brighton could be forced into Van Hecke sale

The same report also claims that the central defender now wishes to move on to a Champions League club - music to the ears of Arne Slot and Richard Hughes should Liverpool be interested in a formal bid.

Tottenham and Newcastle have also been mentioned as potential suitors for the former NAC Breda stopper - who joined the Seagulls back in 2020.

But there is little doubt that Liverpool would be the most attractive option for Van Hecke.

Can Liverpool repeat Mac Allister trick?

"Brighton may be forced to sell Jan Paul van Hecke ahead of schedule if a Champions League club comes in for him,” the report reads.

It’s unlikely that Liverpool - or any other interested club - would be able to prise Van Hecke out of Brighton in the upcoming transfer window but his name is certainly one to keep an eye on ahead of summer 2026.

“Brighton will reject any bids made for Van Hecke in January but the 25-year-old already has his eyes on the exit door,” the report continues. “Van Hecke has so far rejected Brighton’s offers of a contract extension.”

Liverpool have previously had success in raiding Brighton for Alexis Mac Allister - while current Chelsea striker Joao Pedro was also of interest to the Reds during his time on the south coast.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Man City midfielder confirms he's joining Liverpool

👉🏻 Wonderkid lined up to REPLACE Ibrahima Konate

👉🏻 Richard Hughes, you genius: INCREDIBLE deal comes to light