Liverpool’s plan for Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet revealed after Ibrahima Konate exit confirmed
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Liverpool’s centre-back options for next season took a hit on Friday, with confirmation arriving that Ibrahima Konate will leave the club on a free transfer.There had been hope that the Frenchman would sign a new contract and stay into a sixth year with the Reds, but it has now been widely reported that this will not be the case.Talk has already turned to who Liverpool might bring in instead, but it’s worth remembering that they already have two of Europe’s outstanding young centre-backs on the books in Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet. As Reds fans look ahead to what might come next, Arne Slot is reportedly preparing the two youngsters for big roles in 2026/27.
Which centre-back must Liverpool sign to replace Konate in the starting XI? We've compiled four realistic options, but who is your choice?
Liverpool to put trust in Leoni and Jacquet Liverpool fans were robbed of the chance of seeing Leoni this season after the Italian suffered a devastating knee injury on his debut last September.Nevertheless, they saw enough during that one outing to know that the 19-year-old is a special talent, while Liverpool have been convinced enough to pay £60m to sign Jacquet.Konate’s exit opens the door for both to step up next year, and according to The Times, that is what they are likely to do.It’s claimed that Liverpool plan to give Leoni and Jacquet ‘the opportunity to fulfil their potential’ during 26/27.READ MORE: Who Ibrahima Konate’s next club is most likely to be as centre-back fails to agree Liverpool stayPhoto by Neal Simpson/Allstar/Getty ImagesMeanwhile, journalist Ben Jacobs has confirmed that Liverpool have ‘high hopes’ for what both players can achieve.“There are high hopes for Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni heading into next season,” Jacobs writes on X, before hinting that instead of looking for another centre-back option, Liverpool are likely to put funds into strengthening their attack this summer.“Liverpool have chosen not to proceed with what is seen as an expensive renewal and will instead put that resource into replacing Mo Salah, and into strengthening other key areas this summer,” he said.Caution should be exercised with both Leoni and Jacquet as they recover from long-term injuries and adapt to life at a big club, and it would be preferential for Liverpool to sign another more experienced defender as well.But there is little doubting the potential of this pair, and there should be excitement at seeing what they can do and how they can develop next season. Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox