One of the last areas that Liverpool must reinforce this summer is their centre-back.
The reigning Premier League champions only have three senior options available to them at the moment, with the future of Ibrahima Konate also up in the air.
This means that by the start of the 2025-26 season, if Arne Slot chooses against signing a new centre-back soon, they could only be left with Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk to choose from.
And, even though the Anfield outfit have spent close to £300million on new arrivals thus far, they don’t look likely to stop there.
That is, especially if Konate does make a move to Real Madrid.
Liverpool should make a move for Ezri Konsa rather than Marc Guehi this summer
With Liverpool’s defensive woes in mind, it’s not a surprise to see Marc Guehi as one of the leading candidates to join the club.
The centre-back is in the final year of his deal with Crystal Palace, but, since they’ve set his price tag at around £45million, it’s a tad steep for Liverpool to meet.
This is why, as per a report from Spanish outlet Galicia Press, even though the Reds’ ‘priority’ would be to bring Guehi in, Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa could prove to be a ‘more affordable plan B.’
Even though the Englishman is widely regarded as one of Unai Emery’s best defenders at the moment, a move for the centre-back, who cost the Villans just £12million back in 2019, would make a lot of sense.
He’s got plenty of Premier League experience, and since he’s now 27 years old, this could be his last chance to play for one of the biggest teams in England.
Why Ezri Konsa would be a better option for Liverpool than Marc Guehi this summer
As mentioned, not only would Konsa likely be a cheaper option than Guehi this summer, but he also has a lot more experience than his fellow countryman.
Indeed, the fact that he’s 27 might not exactly fit Richard Hughes’ target range of 18-22, but if a move for the right amount of money comes along, Liverpool would be silly to turn their nose up at it.
Konsa can also be used as a right-back if and when needed, which could even allow Jeremie Frimpong to play in a more advanced role if someone such as Conor Bradley ends up getting injured.
Of course, Joe Gomez is another option for Slot at right-back, but with the former Charlton man playing much better football when used in the centre of the park, it would likely alleviate some pressure from his shoulders.
Only time will tell what the future has in store, but for now, it’s anyone’s guess what could happen.
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