Liverpool Face Defensive Uncertainty as Guehi and Konaté Futures Dominate Headlines
Liverpool’s defensive situation is becoming increasingly complex following Giovanni Leoni’s ACL injury and ongoing doubts over Ibrahima Konaté’s long-term future.
Guehi deal stalled but not dead
England international Marc Guehi was tipped to be a strong contender to partner Virgil van Dijk this season, but his proposed £35m move from Crystal Palace collapsed on deadline day. With Joe Gomez now the only other senior centre-back fit, Konaté’s path to regular action looks clearer — for now.
Liverpool’s interest in Guehi has not cooled. According to Sky Sports, Palace are bracing for the likelihood their captain will leave the club, with his long-term commitment in doubt. The 25-year-old is out of contract next summer and could walk away for free, though Palace are expected to resist any cut-price January deal. Several top European clubs are closely monitoring the situation.
Konaté’s future in the balance
Konaté himself remains a question mark. His contract expires in 2026, but unless Liverpool agree an extension soon, he will be free to sign a pre-contract abroad from January 2025. Reports in Spain have even suggested he has already pledged to join Real Madrid, though The Athletic insists those claims are inaccurate.
While negotiations drag on, Konaté is expected to draw free-agent offers from Europe’s elite if no deal is reached. For now, he is said to be focused on performing for Liverpool, but uncertainty continues to grow.
Internal stopgaps
Manager Arne Slot is understood to be weighing short-term fixes. He believes certain midfielders and full-backs could fill in at centre-back if necessary, while 24-year-old academy graduate Rhys Williams — who spent last season on loan at Morecambe — remains another alternative, despite limited senior experience.
What comes next
Whether Liverpool revisit Guehi in January or bide their time until summer may depend on how the squad copes without Leoni. For now, Van Dijk, Gomez, and Konaté carry the load, but the club is already preparing contingencies in case one — or both — of their main targets move on.
