How Ibrahima Konate is affecting Liverpool’s plans for next summer’s transfer window

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Ibrahima Konate is still yet to commit his future to Liverpool.Despite spending close to £450m in the summer, performances on the pitch for the Reds have been incredibly disappointing, with almost all of the new signings failing to impress thus far.To solve this issue, dipping into the market again might be required, with the likes of Richard Hughes likely already planning ahead.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. One big issue, however, is regarding the future of Konate, with the Frenchman’s contract expiring in the summer.Despite already being offered multiple contract offers, the centre-back appears hesitant to agree, with Real Madrid on high alert just in case.His final decision, though, will certainly affect the direction in which Liverpool decide to go in, with his indecisiveness already having an impact for next summer’s plans.Photo by Carl Recine/Getty ImagesLiverpool are planning aheadThe Reds have been very shrewd operators in the transfer market over the years, with the club very rarely getting things wrong.A key reason for this is because they always plan ahead and have contingency plans in place, meaning that they have a back-up option to fall back on.This is exactly what they seem to be doing due to Konate’s situation too, with expert journalist Graeme Bailey revealing how the defender is currently affecting their plans.Yeah they are planning now.

They’re doing it,” Bailey said on the Beyond The Back Four podcast.“Liverpool are planning now and they’ve got the added pressure of do we keep Konate? Is he going to leave on a free transfer?

So, they’ve got to do loads of different scenarios.”READ MORE: Jamie Carragher says it’s ‘really strange’ how Arne Slot is treating one Liverpool starLiverpool have been linked with a variety of names already, including Marc Guehi, Dayot Upamecano and Nico Schlotterbeck, although these just remain as rumours for now.Liverpool need a centre-back in JanuaryKonate certainly may impact plans in the summer, but he will also have a slight influence in what Liverpool do in January.The Reds should already be targeting a defender early in the new year, but if Konate does not agree to sign a new deal, then that should only accelerate their plans.Due to Giovanni Leoni’s long-term injury, Liverpool have just three options available, something not sustainable in itself.And if this is reduced to two options in the summer if Konate departs, then Liverpool may find themselves scrambling around and paying premium prices due to desperation.So with that said, Liverpool need to spare themselves the headache next summer by buying another defender in January, then deal with Konate afterwards.