What Liverpool's centre-back options will look like in 2026/27 with Ibrahima Konate set to stay
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What has been a good weekend for Liverpool supporters got even better on Monday, with Ibrahima Konate confirming that he is set to sign a new contract.The centre-back has had a tough season all things considered, but a resurgence in form recently has reminded fans of what a good defender he is on his day.Konate now looks set to take his place amongst Liverpool‘s revamped defensive options next season, and though his extension will likely end talk of another centre-back arriving this summer, Arne Slot’s cohort of centre-backs will still look completely different in 2026/27. Which Liverpool legend will you miss more: Mohamed Salah or Virgil van Dijk?
Two of the greats came up with the heroics against Everton, but nothing lasts forever… ☹️ Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images Konate and Van Dijk likely to remain first-choiceRewind to last autumn, and it had looked virtually certain that Konate would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.As a result, speculation swirled over who the Reds could bring in to partner Virgil van Dijk for the final year of his contract at Anfield.But, while there is a chance that Liverpool could still look outside of the club to find a new pairing for next year, Konate staying means he is almost certain of a third season as Van Dijk’s undisputed partner.The pair have formed one of the best duos in recent Liverpool history, and it appears that it won’t be going anywhere any time soon.Photo by Visionhaus/Getty ImagesREAD MORE: How many points Liverpool need to secure Champions League football as Chelsea fall further behindLeoni and Jacquet represent exciting back-upAs much as it is possible to get excited about centre-backs, the prospect of Liverpool’s young duo of Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet finding their feet together is an enticing one.Leoni has been desperately unlucky to have his first season with the Reds curtailed after only one game, but he should be back in time to have a full pre-season and kick on from there.Jacquet, meanwhile, is another brilliant young player who Liverpool hope can lead the defence for years to come.If Van Dijk should depart in 2027, then one of Leoni or Jacquet will be expected to step up alongside Konate. For now, they will fill in where needed and learn from two of the best centre-backs in Europe.Joe Gomez should stick around with young support castAlong with what will likely be Liverpool’s main four of Van Dijk, Konate, Jacquet and Leoni, the Reds will still probably be able to count on Joe Gomez as well.The 28-year-old could, of course, leave Liverpool after 11 years, but with one year left on his contract, it feels more likely that he will stay.
You can only pick ONE player for Liverpool to sign this summer, who is it? Who should Richard Hughes be targeting above all… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones Gomez has been a useful option for Slot this season, and it would be a big blow to lose his versatility at full-back as well.He may not be too happy about sticking around to play fifth-choice at centre-back, but as this season has shown, he will still likely get plenty of game time should he stay fit.Two young prospects knocking at the first-team doorAlong with Jacquet, another exciting young prospect is due to arrive at Liverpool this summer as Ifeanyi Nduwke joins from Austria Vienna.Nduwke will head into the Liverpool U21s initially, but there is seemingly a real hope that he could step up to the first-team in time.If Van Dijk does leave in 2027, perhaps the Austrian will be ready to become a permanent senior member alongside Konate, Jacquet and Leoni.In the meantime, Liverpool also signed Mor Tall Ndiaye in January, and with the Senegalese already impressing with the U21s, he is another to watch for long-term involvement.