Liverpool Linked to Shock Ibrahima Konate Replacement From Champions League Rivals

Liverpool have been credited with an interest in a Champions League defender as a potential replacement for Ibrahima Konate.

The Frenchman is reportedly on Real Madrid’s radar as they consider another move for a Liverpool player approaching the end of his contract.

Los Blancos lured Trent Alexander-Arnold away from Anfield earlier this year, and paid around £10 million to take him to Madrid in time for the Club World Cup.

Liverpool are looking to tie Konate down to a new deal, which expires next summer and means he can talk to overseas clubs about a free transfer at the turn of the year.

Real Madrid miss out on Saliba

However, both parties are at an impasse over extending the centre-back’s stay at Liverpool, with Real Madrid believed to be monitoring the France international’s situation.

Real Madrid had been monitoring William Saliba but David Ornstein of The Athletic has confirmed that the centre-back has put pen to paper on a new Arsenal deal.

And with both Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba out of contract next June, a new centre-back would come in to partner Dean Huijsen at the heart of the defence in the Spanish capital.

Liverpool, who lost Giovanni Leoni to an ACL injury in their 2-1 EFL Cup win over Southampton, were close to signing Marc Guehi on deadline day, but the move fell through as Crystal Palace were unable to sign a replacement in time.

Marc Guehi is a long-standing target for Liverpool. (Image: Getty)

Guehi is another whose contract is up next year and has been linked with a move to Spain, while the Reds are expected to return for the England international in January to shore up their defence.

And while Liverpool are expected to make a move for Guehi, they are reportedly keeping tabs on another French centre-back as they consider their options.

Liverpool turn attention to Bayern star

Dayot Upamecano, like Konate and Guehi, is out of contract with Bayern Munich next summer and the German side are looking to extend his stay at the Allianz Arena.

“Liverpool is the latest club to show an interest in Dayot Upamecano,” Bayern fan account @iMiaSanMia posted on X, crediting Bild reporters Christian Falk and Tobi Altschäffl.

“LFC are considering Upamecano as a potential replacement for his France teammate Ibrahima Konaté, whose contract expires next summer.

“Bayern are doing everything to extend Upamecano's contract, but the more time passes, the more clubs enter the race, and therefore the possible extension would become even more expensive for Bayern.”

The 26-year-old has been on Premier League radars in the past, with Manchester United among those to show an interest in the France international.

Upamecano has never wholly convinced for Bayern, particularly in big games, but has the recovery pace and distribution to replace his former RB Leipzig teammate Konate, should he depart for Real Madrid next year.