1 day ago
8
Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise says a Borussia Dortmund defender could be the next Virgil van Dijk for Arne Slot — while Ibrahima Konate might be on the way out.
Van Dijk, like Mohamed Salah, signed a two-year contract at Anfield earlier this year. But at some point in the relatively near future, Liverpool is going to need to bring in at least one player in that position.
The Dutchman and Konate were much improved against Inter Milan in the Champions League midweek, but Liverpool is still lacking depth in that position after missing out on Marc Guehi on deadline day.
"The thing with Konate is that he can have unbelievable games and he can have games where he looks like he's not there," Riise said. "I think it’s unlikely he signs a new deal, so the club will already be looking for central defenders for the next two windows.
"If he signs on, I think they probably only need one more defender, but if he leaves, then I’d expect they’d move for two from whoever is on their shortlist.
"But for Konate, he knows Slot’s system, he knows the club and the team, so I would give him a new contract. I still want one more center-back joining the club so that there is competition to raise everyone’s level that little bit more."
Nico Schlotterbeck, the Borussia Dortmund center-back, has been linked with Liverpool, Bayern Munich and various other clubs around Europe ahead of next summer.
And Riise believes that Liverpool could be the right destination for the player if he does move on. The Reds are likely to be in the market for at least one player in that position, with Guehi one target.
"I like Schlotterbeck and he might have the right mentality," Riise, speaking to Foot Italia, continued. "I’d be hoping that Virgil van Dijk has one or two more years left in him, so I think if he arrived, he would not be a straight replacement right away.
"I don’t see Van Dijk stopping just yet. But top clubs are always looking for more players to step in, and increase competition for places. He’s someone who could come in and push more than just Virgil, and maybe also take a starting position at the back.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
"Clubs like Liverpool, United, City, they are constantly looking for new players. Even if you have the best in the world in one position, you always have to look for the next player who is coming through.
"Schlotterbeck could be on the list for Liverpool, and they might move for him a year or so early so that they don’t lose a good player to another team.
"When I was at Liverpool, one of the hardest things was that you always knew that you would always be someone the club is thinking about replacing and thinking about getting competition for. I’m not surprised that they’re looking at Schlotterbeck."
Liverpool.com says: Center-back seems like the biggest priority moving into 2026, with at least one signing required there. Liverpool probably needs another midfielder and a winger even before thinking about a Salah replacement, so it could be a busy period.
English (US) ·