As Ibrahima Konate’s contract continues to tick down, Liverpool are reportedly ready to make formal contact with an impressive defender who could replace the Frenchman.

Update on Konate's Liverpool contract

As things stand, Konate will follow in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s footsteps by leaving Liverpool as a free agent in less than nine months. Whether the defender also joins the right-back at Real Madrid is another question. The Spaniards are reportedly on the hunt for a centre-back and Konate is on their list in what should spark major concern at Anfield.

Alas, there is still time for things to change. The Reds waited until the second-half of last season to tie Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah down to new deals and may need similar patience with Konate.

All hope isn’t lost just yet, either.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, talks are ongoing, and both parties have found themselves at a stalemate rather than any point of rejection at this stage.

“There’s been reports he’s rejected a new contract, he’s into his final twelve months. I don’t think it’s so much a rejection, maybe more of a stalemate or a lack of an agreement, basically, but I’m told talks are active. They’re ongoing, but nothing is close just yet.” (David Ornstein told NBC Sports)

Those at Anfield are understandably still preparing for a world in which Konate does leave the club.

The likes of Marc Guehi have been mentioned again as a potential replacement on that front. The Crystal Palace man came within hours of joining Liverpool in the summer, before the South London club pulled the plug on deadline day.

He’s still very much on their radar, but as competition begins to arrive for his signature, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes may have to turn towards an alternative contract rebel in 2026.

Liverpool readying formal contact with Upamecano

As reported by TeamTalk, Liverpool are now readying formal contact with Dayot Upamecano in January, when he will be able to seal a pre-contract agreement if he is yet to put pen to paper on a new Bayern Munich deal at that stage.

The £9m-a-year (£167,000-per-week) France international is in the same boat as Konate.

Both former RB Leipzig defenders are yet to sign new contracts at their respective clubs and both are attracting plenty of interest as a result. For Liverpool, swapping one imperious centre-back for another without spending a single penny would likely be an ideal scenario.

Minutes

427

562

Progressive Passes

4.04

6.28

Tackles Won

0.64

1.29

Ball Recoveries

6.38

2.58

Whilst Konate has so far edged Upamecano in possession, and when asked to win his tackles, the latter’s ball recovery rate has certainly been impressive.

As Van Dijk enters the later stages of his career, that aggression from someone like Upamencano would be a vital trait. It would allow the Dutchman to control play from afar whilst his partner steps out.

Described as a “fantastic” player by France teammate Lucas Hernandez, the Bayern contract rebel is someone to watch if Konate leaves Liverpool as a free agent next summer.