Richard Hughes has found ideal Konate replacement: He will cost £47m

Liverpool are always on the lookout for the next wave of defensive talents.

The recent acquisitions of Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet provide good examples of sporting director Richard Hughes safeguarding for the future.

Leoni, 19, was brought in from Parma on a £26m deal last summer and is expected to be fit for the start of next season. Jacquet is due to arrive in summer once his £62m move from Rennes is concluded.

With uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate’s future - and Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez out of contract in 2027 - it’s understandable why the Premier League champions are seeking recruits at centre-back.

And now a new report in Sports Boom is claiming that the Anfield side are at the front of the queue for RC Lens’ impressive young stopper Samson Baidoo.

Samson Baidoo: Situation summary

Samson Baidoo is a 21-year-old Austrian centre-back who joined Lens from Red Bull Salzburg in summer 2025 for around €8m on a five-year deal to 2030.

Signed after the exits of Abdukodir Khusanov and Kevin Danso, he has quickly become a first-choice defender and a key reason Lens have pushed towards the top of Ligue 1 with one of the division’s best defensive records this season.

Baidoo plays mainly as a left-sided centre-back, with occasional use at right-back, and is noted for his physical presence, recovery pace and comfort playing through pressure, ranking highly in blocks, passing accuracy and aerial duels.

His performances have driven a rapid increase in valuation and attracted strong interest from Premier League clubs.

Recent reports place Liverpool and Manchester City at the front of a queue of suitors, with a potential summer 2026 fee discussed in the €45m–€55m range, though Lens are under no pressure to sell mid-contract.

A minor recent injury has been described as a short-term setback rather than a major issue.

Baidoo is the ideal successor

“21-year-old Samson Baidoo is catching the eye of Europe's top clubs due to his blend of physical dominance and technical skill as a center-back with RC Lens,” the report reads.

“Liverpool and Manchester City are leading the pursuit, with a potential transfer fee in the €45m-€55m range. Despite a recent injury setback, Baidoo is expected to return to action soon, with scouts eager to assess his abilities. The summer of 2026 could see him make a move to the Premier League.”

Konate, 26, could end up leaving Anfield on a free transfer this summer - opening up a gap in the heart of defence.

And the report suggests that Baidoo has been handpicked by Liverpool recruiters as the man to replace the France international as soon as next season.

Liverpool ready to put Baidoo straight in the team

“Leaked reports suggest that Liverpool has identified Baidoo as the "ideal successor" and has already compiled a comprehensive dataset on him,” the report states.

“Although the club officially labels him as "not for sale," behind-the-scenes preparations are being made for record-breaking bids.

“Lens is expected to open negotiations in the €45m–€55m range (£38m-£47m), a figure that would shatter the club's transfer record.

“It is rumored that Manchester City is discussing a "buy-and-loan back" formula for a year to continue his development, while Liverpool is reportedly ready to sit at the table this summer to integrate him directly into their starting XI rotation.”

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Liverpool get GREEN light to sign Nico Schlotterbeck

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

👉🏻 Fabrizio Romano CONFIRMS belief £52m Liverpool target will agree move