Liverpool need to make signings to strengthen the centre of their defence with three of their four senior options all out of contract by 2027
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Liverpool need to address their pending issues in central defence as three of their four senior options all have 18 months or less remaining on their respective deals.
Ibrahima Konate is out of contract this summer and there has been no progress on a new deal and, as things stand, he is set to leave the club at the end of the campaign.
Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are both out of contract at Anfield in 2027, with Giovanni Leoni the only senior option who has a long-term deal. He is currently out with an ACL injury and not expected to play until August or September.
The Reds have missed out on signing Marc Guehi with Crystal Palace agreeing £20m with Manchester City, who have made a move amid defensive injuries in their ranks. Liverpool do not believe signing Guehi this month for a transfer fee represents good value as they preferred to wait until the summer.
They had a £35m deal agreed with Palace back in the last transfer window but the move collapsed on deadline day as Eagles boss Oliver Glasner was heavily resistant to losing the defender.
It means the Reds will need alternatives as they look to future-proof their options in central defence.
According to reports in Spain from Fichajes, Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has been identified as the long-term replacement for Van Dijk. The Reds said to be prepared to pay £78m to sign the Dutchman.
Spurs do not want to lose him but if Liverpool follow through on their intentions, the London club are “aware that this is a difficult figure to refuse, even for a key player.”
Van de Ven has been with Spurs since 2023 and has over three years remaining on his deal. talkSPORT have also reported that the Reds are tracking the defender.
“I feel sorry for him in the sense that he deserves to be playing at a bigger club. He won’t stay at Spurs,” former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor said.
“Don’t sign a new deal there, Van de Ven. You deserve better than Spurs.”
Former Chelsea man Jason Cundy believes Liverpool should be making a move for the Spurs man. He said after Liverpool drew 1-1 with Burnley on Saturday: “Here’s the thing, if I’m Liverpool I’m going after Van de Ven.
“That’s what I would do, I would absolutely go all out. They lost out on Guehi, Van de Ven is the next big thing at centre-half. He’s perfect for Liverpool if they want to play a high line. I’m going straight after him.”