Liverpool’s ‘favourite’ option to replace Ibrahima Konate revealed
Liverpool continue to keep tabs on Marc Guehi as the long-term replacement for Ibrahima Konate as the Frenchman could leave as a free agent at the end of the season.
Sources told Football Insider on 19 September that Arsenal are confident of extending William Saliba’s contract amid interest from Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants are on the hunt for a new centre-back in the 2026 summer transfer window with the Gunners defender and the Reds’ number five top of their list.
Real Madrid chiefs think they are close to signing Konate from Liverpool as the reigning Premier League champions quickly target a replacement.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, where the Frenchman ends up will be pivotal in bringing Crystal Palace‘s Guehi to Anfield.
Marc Guehi Liverpool deal more likely to happen next summer than January
Despite falling at the last hurdle on transfer deadline day to bring in the Eagles talisman, sources told Football Insider that Liverpool are confident of beating Man City to Guehi.
The Palace club captain looks likely to run down his contract to either bag a cut-priced move in the January transfer window or leave the south London side on a free next summer.
Konate’s prospective move to Real Madrid will have an expected domino effect where Guehi should head to Anfield to replace the Frenchman alongside Virgil van Dijk.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yeah, a lot will depend on what happens with Konate and whether he signs a new contract or will he explore his options as free agent and run down his contract at Anfield.
“It still seems to me that Marc Guehi, would be the favourite to come into Anfield as a new defender, probably on a free transfer next summer rather than January unless Palace really do drop the asking price on the England international.”
Marc Guehi holds all the power as Crystal Palace scramble to find positive conclusion to situation
Football Insider exclusively revealed that Real Madrid could offer Guehi a mouth-watering sum to snub Liverpool if he becomes a free agent in summer 2026.
The Englishman will have complete freedom and no ties to a contract in July next year which puts the player in charge of where he wants to go for his next club.
The Eagles are at risk of losing out on receiving any money for their star centre-back which could force Steve Parish and co. to lower their asking price in January.
A defensive replacement must be organised well in-advance of the winter window to ensure Palace have adequate coverage for their departing talisman.
Alternatively, Arne Slot and Liverpool can play the long game and promise the 25-year-old that he will join the Reds upon completion of his current deal at Selhurst Park.