How Liverpool view Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye in their new centre-back options
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Liverpool’s centre-back options will look a whole lot different next season after news arrived that Ibrahima Konate will leave the club on a free transfer.There had been hope that the Frenchman would stay put despite his rapidly expiring contract, but having failed to agree terms on a new deal, he will now depart for nothing.That means Virgil van Dijk will have a new partner next season, and though there have been suggestions that Liverpool could make a new signing, The Athletic hint that Arne Slot is actually more likely to stick with what he’s got. Which centre-back must Liverpool sign to replace Konate in the starting XI?
We've compiled four realistic options, but who is your choice? New options will arrive in Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, who spent the whole season out injured, while a decision has seemingly been made on how best to plan for teenage arrivals Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye.Ndukwe and Ndiaye seen as ‘long-term projects’If Liverpool do not make a new signing this summer, they will head into the season relying on the fitness of Joe Gomez, a 35-year-old Virgil van Dijk on the back of a full season and a World Cup, and two unproven youngsters in Jacquet and Leoni.However, fans have been pointing out that Ndukwe and Ndiaye were both signed in January, with reports at the time suggesting that the pair are seen as potentially having first-team futures.
Though still teenagers, both are barely one year younger than Leoni, and without Konate and a new signing in the way, there should be a reasonable expectation that they could both be promoted in 2026/27.READ MORE: Rousing The Kop readers split as they rate Ibrahima Konate’s five years at LiverpoolPhoto by Thomas Pichler/SEPA.Media /Getty ImagesAs The Athletic report, there are ‘high hopes’ for Ndukwe and Ndiaye, who are both mentioned in a piece detailing Liverpool’s plans at centre-back.But despite the expectations, it is noted that Liverpool see the two talents as being ‘long-term projects’.Ndiaye has settled in well after joining in January, already making an impression in the U21s and featuring on the bench for the senior team.Meanwhile, Ndukwe made his Austria Vienna debut towards the end of the season, signalling what a big prospect he could potentially be.Depending on whether the first-team options can stay fit, it does seem possible that Liverpool fans will see these two in action next season. Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox