Could Ibrahima Konaté be heading to Real Madrid?
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Liverpool has been very active in the summer transfer window, signing three first-team players for a total of €214 million and offloading four for €63.3 million. However, new reports suggest that the club may need to find a replacement for one of their key players.
As per journalist Sacha Tavolieri, defender Ibrahima Konaté has expressed his desire to join Real Madrid when his contract ends next summer. Liverpool has been working to secure him on a new deal, but it appears that Konaté has made his intentions clear. Consequently, reports indicate that the Premier League champions may look to sell the central defender this summer rather than risk losing him for free in 12 months.
If this occurs, Liverpool will need to find a player who can step into Konaté’s role in Arne Slot’s starting lineup. They might opt for Joe Gomez to partner alongside Virgil Van Dijk, but it’s likely they’ll seek another central defender should Konaté leave. So, which defenders might Liverpool consider? Here’s a look at some potential targets based on the Transfermarkt database.
Marc Guéhi – Crystal Palace
A top contender to replace Konaté is Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi. Since joining the club in 2021, Guéhi has established himself not only as an England international but also as one of the most sought-after young defenders in English football. With rumors linking him to Anfield, the question remains how much Palace would demand for their star player and whether Liverpool would be willing to meet that price amid other available options.
Ilya Zabarnyi – Bournemouth
Another promising talent is Bournemouth’s Ilya Zabarnyi, who has received significant praise over the past two seasons. Initially, it raised eyebrows when Bournemouth spent €22.7 million on him in 2023, but he has proven his worth as an exceptional defender. His market value has surged from €18 million to €42 million, making him an attractive option for a top-four Premier League club. Paris Saint-Germain is also reportedly interested in him, leaving uncertainty about his next destination.
Piero Hincapié – Bayer Leverkusen
For those looking beyond the Premier League, Liverpool could target Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen. The young defender has demonstrated immense talent over his four years in the Bundesliga, excelling as a ball-playing central defender. Valued at €55 million, he is the most valuable player at his current club and ranks among the world’s top central defenders. While he may not be cheap, he could serve as a long-term solution following Konaté’s departure.
António Silva – Benfica
Another young prospect ready for Premier League glory is António Silva of Benfica. In his third full season at the Liga Portugal side, Silva has emerged as a top-class defender, showcasing excellent dribbling, passing, and one-on-one defending. While he lacks the physicality of Konaté, his skills could nicely complement Virgil Van Dijk. However, like Hincapié, acquiring him may require significant investment.
Joel Ordóñez – Club Brugge
If Liverpool seeks a more unconventional option, they could consider Joel Ordóñez from Club Brugge. The talented 21-year-old transitioned from Colombia’s top division to Brugge’s feeder team in 2022 and quickly proved himself in the first team. His market value has soared from €1.5 million to €28 million, establishing him as a standout talent in European football. With an impressive ability to make forward passes and dribble effectively, Ordóñez could thrive in Liverpool’s attacking style.
