Liverpool set to end patience with their inconsistent star as a January exit looms.

Liverpool are entering a tense period regarding Ibrahima Konaté’s future, with his name repeatedly appearing in transfer rumours – talk that has only intensified after the 3–0 loss to Manchester City. The centre-back struggled badly in that match, drawing heavy criticism from supporters and adding pressure to an already delicate contract situation.

 

With less than a year remaining on his current deal and no real progress in negotiations, the club now face a major decision about whether he remains part of their long-term plans.

 

Former Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool could be tempted to accept a significant bid if a replacement is ready. His comments reignited the debate, suggesting the club may have been harbouring doubts for some time. He also highlighted how City repeatedly targeted Konaté’s zone to provoke mistakes, underlining why concerns persist within the club.

 

Liverpool must now weigh up taking a transfer fee in January or risking losing him for free next summer – a choice that could influence the defensive rebuild Arne Slot is trying to shape.

 

Konaté’s recent performances have exposed worrying flaws that the team can no longer overlook. His positioning in Liverpool’s high line has slipped, and quick counter-attacks regularly pull him out of shape, leaving dangerous gaps for attackers to exploit. His one-v-one defending has also been questioned, especially against agile players who change direction quickly. Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku repeatedly isolated him, stretching him until the weaknesses were impossible to miss.

 

Given his declining form and expiring contract, Liverpool could benefit from cashing in mid-season. A January sale would allow Slot to act decisively, reinvest immediately, and tackle the defensive issues that continue to surface.

 

Potential replacements such as Marc Guehi, Dayot Upamecano, or Konstantinos Koulierakis offer different strengths — from Premier League composure to powerful physicality to promising young awareness. In truth, Liverpool may be best served by moving early, securing funds, and rebuilding their defence with a player who fits the team’s future direction.