Liverpool transfer “focus” revealed, amid Konate concerns

Liverpool are yet to do any business in the January transfer window, despite a difficult start to their Premier League title-defending campaign.

The Reds are currently fourth in the top flight after struggling to maintain their high standards in the league, winning fewer than 50% of their fixtures (10/21).

Arne Slot has been tasked with developing a new generation of the Liverpool side, with a huge recruitment drive in the summer providing him with a range of attacking options in Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.

Replacing the familiarity and experience of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez was always going to be a difficult transition, but there have been glimmers of the potential threat the new trio could pose in the future at Anfield.

Unfortunately, injuries have been a huge issue for the Premier League champions in recent weeks and months, with the latest blow coming against Arsenal when Conor Bradley suffered a significant knee injury.

The talented right-back isn’t expected to return for the rest of the season after undergoing a scan and will join Giovanni Leoni in a lengthy rehabilitation period, further depleting the defensive reinforcements.

Liverpool have just three fit centre-backs at present, and the collapse of the Marc Guehi deal is becoming increasingly frustrating with every passing game.

However, it has now been reported that Liverpool have no intention of addressing their depleted defence during the January transfer window and will instead make it a priority for the summer.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein posted this morning on X:

“Liverpool summer focus expected to be centre-back – no breakthrough on Konate contract + Van Dijk / Gomez expiring in 2027.”

“Right-back recruitment not planned by #LFC this window & Salah staying but situation one to watch at end of season.”

Following up in an article for The Athletic, Ornstein claims that Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones are able to cover if required, while Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez will deputise in Bradley’s absence.

Further insight into Bradley’s injury is also provided, with the talented full-back not ruled out of the World Cup just yet, although a definitive timeline on his return will not be known until his surgery has been completed.

In terms of Konate, Ornstein reveals that there has been no progress in securing his future beyond his current contract, while Virgil van Dijk and Gomez are also set to become free agents in 2027.

As a result, the focus of this summer’s recruitment strategy will centre on developing, refreshing and rebuilding the defence ahead of next season, in preparation for those potential exits.

Although Ornstein does not directly address Liverpool’s centre-back recruitment plans, he strongly alludes to it being a summer priority, which will be frustrating for supporters.

The Merseyside giants were one of the biggest talking points of the transfer window in the summer, with a major storyline centred around their prolonged negotiations with Crystal Palace over captain Marc Guehi.

Liverpool agreed a £35m deal to sign the England international, with plans in place for him to be announced on Deadline Day.

However, in the eleventh hour, the South London club changed their stance and requested Guehi’s return after Oliver Glasner pushed the hierarchy to reconsider.

As a result, Liverpool missed out on one of their top defensive targets, and it was widely expected that an immediate return for the Palace skipper would be made in the new year.

Considering the injuries and challenges Slot has faced during the opening months of the season, there now appears to be even greater urgency to secure the deal before rivals move to hijack the transfer.

Since the summer, Guehi has been heavily linked with several clubs both in the Premier League and across Europe, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City and Arsenal all credited with interest in recent weeks.

Now, it appears increasingly likely that the centre-back will leave Palace on a free transfer in the summer, and if Liverpool fail to act this month, they will face fierce competition to secure his signature.

Should a move fail to materialise, the Reds would find themselves back at square one in identifying and executing a long-term recruitment strategy for the heart of their defence, while also facing increased pressure should Konate depart for free.

With that being said, the remainder of the transfer window will be one to watch, as the club are taking a significant risk in keeping their few defenders fit during season-defining moments in the business end of the campaign.

Rebekka Arnold is an experienced writer with a strong background in digital media, PR and football journalism.

Since 2021, Rebekka has written opinion pieces and match reaction content for Football Fancast, part of the Snack Media network, building on her growing presence in the football community through viral Twitter content and podcasting.

Now at Transfer Tavern, Rebekka brings her sharp eye for analysis and deep passion for the game to deliver engaging football opinion and breaking transfer news content.