Liverpool handed reminder of Jan Paul van Hecke’s value as they accelerate Ibrahima Konate replacement plan

Liverpool need to sign Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke as Ibrahima Konate’s replacement this summer.

The Reds risk losing out on the 25-year-old, with Tottenham keen to bring the Dutchman to north London after having an opening £70million bid rejected by Brighton.

Liverpool have lost out previously on signing their top defensive targets, including Marc Guehi last summer, and they can not afford to make the same mistake again.

Konate’s departure means that Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are the only two experienced centre-backs currently at the club.

Jeremy Jacquet’s imminent arrival at Liverpool will add cover, but the club would be taking a risk chucking the 20-year-old straight into the starting line-up.

Van Hecke has been included in the Netherlands’ World Cup squad, and the defender starred in their first warm-up match against Algeria.

Starting alongside Liverpool captain van Dijk, the Brighton star won eight duels, made four clearances and made three recoveries across his 88 minutes on the pitch.

Jan Paul van Hecke shines in Netherlands friendly

Van Hecke also had a 92% pass accuracy, in a display which looks set to keep Manchester City defender Nathan Ake on the bench at the World Cup.

Having yet to sign a new Brighton contract, van Hecke only has a year left remaining on his deal at the club, so now is the perfect opportunity for Liverpool to make a move.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown previously told Football Insider that van Hecke wants to play Champions League football, and Liverpool can offer him that next season at Anfield.

Liverpool need defensive reinforcements

A new centre-back should be the priority in the summer transfer window for Andoni Iraola, who is expected to replace Arne Slot as manager.

Another left-back will also be urgently required after Andy Robertson’s departure, as Iraola is set to have to get to work immediately in the market.

Liverpool failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last six Premier League games of the season, and need to strengthen defensively if they are to mount a title challenge under Iraola.

Van Hecke’s Premier League experience makes him a strong option for Iraola, which he should pursue.