Liverpool Lining Up Ibrahima Konate Replacement Targeted By Manchester United

Liverpool have identified Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet as their ideal replacement if Ibrahima Konate is sold.

There has been a defensive crisis developing at Liverpool this season.

Conceding 24 goals in just 15 league matches has exposed the instability in Arne Slot’s back line.

The Reds have been dreadful at the back for much of this season, and are mounting one of the worst title defences is living memory.

And one man has found himself taking more criticism than most for his part in Liverpool’s porous defence.

Ibrahima Konate looks destined for the Anfield exit door, with a departure now expected.

There have been plenty of names linked as Liverpool look for their Konate replacement.

But Rennes defender Jérémy Jacquet has rapidly emerged as a leading candidate.

The 20-year-old has been described by Liverpool scouts as “special,” and with Manchester United also interest, Liverpool appear to be ramping up their interest.

Konate isn’t the only star that could be leaving Anfield soon, with Liverpool weighing up potential Mohamed Salah replacements after the Egyptian’s public outburst made headlines this week.

But as the January transfer window looms, Jacquet seems one of the most likely players to join Arne Slot’s squad.

Liverpool Line Up Jacquet As Konaté Replacement

According to reports, Liverpool have been “extensively” scoring Jacquet this season.

He has impressed on each occasion, with his athleticism, maturity and calmness on the ball cited as standout attributes – particularly for a player of his age.

Jacquet has become a regular for Rennes across the last 18 months, attracting attention from across Europe.

Manchester United are also said to be keen, but Liverpool appear better placed to land the Frenchman.

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He has already been compared to Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk, not least because of Jacquet’s own thoughts on his abilities.

“I’m calm on the ball,” he said previosuly.

“What defines me is playing out well, breaking lines with the right pass.”

For a Liverpool side that relies heavily on defenders stepping into midfield and spraying passes from deep, his skillset fits perfectly.

Jacquet is therefore viewed not only as in ideal Konate replacement, but potentially as a successor to Van Dijk.

Liverpool therefore have the opportunity to secure the spine of their defence for years to come.

Where Will Konaté Go If He Leaves Liverpool?

Konaté’s Liverpool future has become increasingly uncertain.

With his contract set to expire in the summer and no extension agreed, clubs across Europe have taken notice.

Reports indicate that Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are considering offering him a pre-contract agreement as early as January.

Liverpool, meanwhile, appear prepared for the possibility of letting him go.

Reports this week indicated that the club could be willing to accept an offer as low as £15 million for Konate.

Given his expiring contract and disastrous form, such a figure is perhaps less surprising than it sounds.

Anfield legend Jamie Carragher recently claimed the Reds would be “absolutely fine” if he left, describing him as “not Virgil van Dijk.”

There are a number of long-term targets on the club’s radar, with Liverpool still pursuing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.

Like Konate, Guehi is also out of contract in the summer.

But given Liverpool’s crisis at the back, there is no reason to think they couldn’t bring both players in – especially if they are willing to wait until the summer for Guehi.

How Likely Are Liverpool To Sign Jacquet?

It seems clear from the amount of noise surrounding this one that Liverpool’s interest in Jacquet is serious.

The club rarely scout a player this heavily without concrete intentions.

And internal reports indicate he is near the top of their target list.

Competition will come from Manchester United, along with other top European clubs.

But Liverpool rarely fail to land a player they have their hearts set on.

Should Konaté leave, it seems highly likely that Jacquet would be brought in as an immediate replacement.

A January transfer is possible, especially if Konaté is sold, but a summer deal may be more realistic.

Either way, Jacquet is now one of the most closely watched young defenders in Europe, and Liverpool appear determined not to miss their chance.