'I'm Told' - Expert: Liverpool predicted to let first-XI starter leave after he left Arne Slot 'raging'

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(Credit: Imago) Mon 29 September 2025 13:05, UK Arne Slot could be set to make a big decision about his starting XI amid the ongoing fallout from their defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.Following Liverpool’s 2-1 loss against Crystal Palace, a number of their first-team stars have been heavily criticised, with questions asked about their consistency.The likes of Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Ibrahima Konate have been singled out for criticism in the wake of their poor performances.This comes after former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool are concerned about Konate and his future at the club.Jean-Philippe Mateta gave him issues throughout the game, and questions are now being asked about his long-term place alongside Virgil van Dijk.Credit: ImagoLiverpool backed to let Ibrahima Konate leaveFootball Insider exclusively revealed on 1 September that Liverpool will hold fresh contract talks with Konate, though little progress has been made so far.However, after his recent horror show against Palace, Liverpool could make a U-turn on their efforts to keep him at Anfield beyond next summer. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Liverpool are now open to letting the France international leave.“I’m told Liverpool are prepared for Konate to leave,” he told Football Insider.“They’ll need to bring in a replacement of course, because they don’t want to be left short at the back, but if they can replace him they’re happy to let him go.“That was made evident with their efforts to sign Marc Guehi in the summer, they wanted him to come in as the new partner for Van Dijk.“Obviously they weren’t able to get Guehi in, so Konate is still a very important player for them, and they can’t afford for him to keep making mistakes.“I expect the manager was raging at him after that performance against Palace because he was miles off it, and that’s not what they need.Credit: Imago“If they want to compete challenging for the league title and other trophies, every single player has to be consistent, and that’s exactly the issue they have with Konate.“They needed a striker, they spent £125million on Isak, they wanted a midfielder, they spent £110million on Wirtz, now they want a centre-back.“I expect when the January window opens they’ll be making efforts to bring somebody in, and that will allow them to let Konate move on, probably to Real Madrid.”Madrid are still making efforts to tempt Konate away from Liverpool, and the likelihood is growing with the Reds now more open to his departure.Liverpool working on deal to replace KonateUncertainty surrounding Konate’s future, alongside Giovanni Leoni’s huge injury blow, has only accelerated Liverpool’s plan to land a new defender.Football Insider revealed on 20 September that Liverpool want Marc Guehi to replace Konate, despite having missed out on a deal during the summer.The Crystal Palace captain will be available on a free transfer at the end of the year, and the Reds are determined to beat off rivals in their pursuit.Credit: ImagoAs things stand, Slot has been left with Konate, Van Dijk and Joe Gomez as his only senior centre-back options, leading to major cause for concern at Anfield.Guehi remains the name at the top of their list, but Liverpool are considering five centre-backs who could add further strength in depth to their squad.For more Liverpool and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.