A centre-back clear-out at Liverpool this summer is going to make space for new arrivals.
That’s according to a new report in Football Insider - which claims both Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez could leave at the end of the season.
Konate, 26, is out of contract in summer 2026 and if no agreement is reached soon over a new deal then he will be leaving for free.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are among the reported suitors for the France international - whose contract demands have so far gone unmet by Richard Hughes.
Gomez, 28, is under contract until 2027 - but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the club entertain offers this summer.
The England international has put together a decent run of matches this season owing to injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong - as well as a lack of viable senior options at centre-back.
But the reality is Gomez was listed as available for the past couple of summers - with Aston Villa and AC Milan thought to be keen.
This coming off-season will be Liverpool’s final chance to gain decent transfer money for Gomez - their longest-serving player.
“Liverpool are planning to sign at least one new centre-back in the summer transfer window amid doubts about Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez,” the report reads.
The Premier League champions have already tied up deals for Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Jeremy Jacquet - who will join Giovanni Leoni when he recovers from injury.
But there is a lack of experience in those options - with Liverpool thought to be scouring the market for senior central defenders too.
Nico Schlotterbeck has been mentioned as a potential target with Alessandro Bastoni and Murillo of Nottingham Forest also thought to be in the running for an Anfield arrival.
Arne Slot will require a reliable senior partner for Virgil van Dijk in his final season at Anfield - and the club may not risk throwing either Leoni or Jacquet in at the deep end right from the off.
Therefore the pathway is clearing for a big-name arrival in the heart of Liverpool’s defence.
