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Same agent as Van Dijk: Liverpool eyeing move for Gabriel & Saliba "hybrid"

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With Ibrahima Konate yet to sign a new contract, Liverpool are reportedly prioritising a move to sign the Frenchman's replacement for Arne Slot in 2026.

Update on Konate's Liverpool contract

If there was ever a time for Liverpool to sort Konate's contract it is now. The Reds have just lost three games on the bounce under Slot, who faces the toughest task of his Anfield career so far after the international break. And in that run, Konate's form has been one of several problems.

His situation mirrors Trent Alexander-Arnold's last season, before the right-back decided to join Real Madrid as a free agent. As the Spanish giants arrived, the defender's form dropped and uncomfortable questions came to the fore. Whether or not the Madrid factor did play a part is hard to truly say, but that won't stop those same questions from coming the way of Konate.

As things stand, no new contract has been signed, but negotiations are reportedly ongoing. As far as Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes are concerned, they'll want things wrapped up before January, when Konate can start negotiating a pre-contract agreement with other clubs.

“There has been reports Konate has rejected a new contract… I don’t think it’s so much a rejection, maybe more of a stalemate or a lack of an agreement basically.

"I’m told talks are active & ongoing but nothing is close just yet. Suggestions he’s on £70,000 per week, I’m told it is more than double that.” (David Ornstein on Konate's contract)

Whilst his deal continues to tick down, Liverpool will no doubt be on the hunt for Konate replacements ahead of 2026. The main name on that front seems to still be Marc Guehi, who came within hours of signing for the club in the summer.

Given that other clubs are now chasing the England international's signature on a free deal next summer, however, the Reds have reportedly turned towards alternative options.

Liverpool prioritising Diomande deal

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool now see Ousmane Diomande as a key target ahead of 2026 and will target the Sporting Club defender to replace Konate. Represented by the same agency as Virgil van Dijk, the 21-year-old is one of the most promising defenders that European football has to offer. And now, a move to Merseyside could be on the horizon.

Described as a "hybrid" between Arsenal's Gabriel and William Saliba by analyst Ben Mattinson, Diomande is certainly one to watch. Although he is yet to make his mark on the current Sporting campaign due to injury, his return should see him return to their strongest line-up as they attempt to secure a third-consecutive Liga Portugal title.

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