Liverpool may be preparing for life without Ibrahima Konate as the French defender nears the final year of his contract. Arne Slot’s side is reportedly eyeing a £50m swoop for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi as interest mounts from European giants in Konate.
Konate, who played a key role in Liverpool’s Premier League triumph last season, has yet to agree to a new deal at Anfield. With just 12 months remaining on his current contract, top clubs like Real Madrid, PSG, and Bayern Munich are circling in hopes of signing him for free in 2026.
While negotiations are expected to resume, former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant believes the Reds’ move for Guehi signals an impending departure. Liverpool were linked with Guehi earlier this summer, and the player’s contract situation at Palace makes a transfer more feasible than it was in previous windows.
Palace, who rejected bids of up to £70m in the past, are now reportedly willing to do business at around £50m. Guehi impressed for England at Euro 2024 and has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most consistent centre-backs.
Konate recently addressed the speculation, calling many of the contract rumours false. He insisted he has responded to a club offer and denied delaying talks. Despite this, Pennant suggests Liverpool could be orchestrating a long-term plan involving Guehi’s eventual arrival.
Crystal Palace are already eyeing replacements, with talks underway to sign Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Lisbon. Guehi, when asked about his future, remained non-committal, reiterating only his focus on the club for now.
Liverpool have had a strong summer so far, securing big-money signings in Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, while a move for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is also close. As the squad evolves under Slot, the future of their defence — with or without Konate — remains a crucial storyline heading into the 2025–26 campaign.