Liverpool told to make January signing that could unlock better form from underperforming star

Liverpool has been told that it can take some pressure off the under-performing Ibrahima Konate with the addition of a new center-back during the January transfer window.

After a 2024-25 campaign in which he was excellent, Konate – like many of his teammates – is having a difficult season this time around, leading to Real Madrid to withdraw its interest in signing him on a free transfer next year.

Arne Slot does not have too many options at his disposal in terms of being able to take Konate out of the firing line, considering he is one of only three experienced center-backs in the squad, along with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.

Gomez has been battling fitness issues for the best part of a year, and despite recovering from a serious hamstring injury in time for the new season, a knee problem has restricted his minutes this term.

Liverpool's failure to land Marc Guehi on transfer deadline day, coupled with a serious injury to Giovanni Leoni, has exacerbated the selection issues in defense, and former Reds striker Emile Heskey has called on his old club to enter the market for a new center-back in January.

"The way you resolve any tension is by playing well," Heskey told sports betting website BetWright as he discussed Konate's struggles. "The reality is whatever you do on the pitch will be reflected in what fans think of you.

"If Ibrahima Konate starts putting in some solid performances for Liverpool, the fans will back him and respect him.

"If your form dips a bit, especially when you’re playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, you open yourself up to some criticism – whether its deserved or not.

"At the moment, Konate isn’t putting himself in the best spotlight and that’s damaging his chances of a new contract at Anfield or a move to a big club.

“Konate is still good enough to play for Liverpool, you’ve got to remember the years that he’s been at the club and performed well.

"He’s going through a blip at the moment, but you can’t forget about what he’s done for the club in recent years. The lack of squad depth in the center-back position is a factor; teammates need to be challenging him for the shirt – but there isn’t really anyone doing that currently.

“Slot needs to strengthen the defense, not only to improve personnel, but to challenge the current players like Konate, so he’s encouraged to perform, otherwise he’ll sit on the bench.”

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