Two games into the 2025/26 Premier League season and Liverpool have maximum points. This, however, doesn’t tell the full story of how Arne Slot’s team has started its title defence. Indeed, the wins over Bournemouth and Newcastle United were far from convincing with the Reds shaky in defence.
Ibrahima Konate has struggled more than any other player in red. The 26-year-old looks a shadow of the player that helped Liverpool to title glory last season, making rash decisions and generally toiling to cover open space in opening transition. Bournemouth and Newcastle both exposed him.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James’ Park on August 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
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This comes amid speculation over Konate’s future at Anfield. The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Real Madrid and has less than a year remaining on his current Liverpool contract. This means Real Madrid, or any other suitor, will be able to talk to Konate from January.
Having already lost Trent Alexander-Arnold as a free agent to Real Madrid recently, Liverpool is desperate not to lose another key figure in the same manner. However, Konate’s recent performances suggest the Reds need to replace him in the starting lineup for the time being.
Marc Guehi is believed to be a target. The England international is into the final year of his contract at Crystal Palace which could tempt Liverpool into moving for him before the summer transfer window closes. On recent evidence, Guehi would be a better bet as Virgil van Dijk’s partner than Konate.
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 21: Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace controls the ball during the UEFA Conference League Play-off Round First Leg match between Crystal Palace and Fredrikstad at Selhurst Park on August 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
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Of course, Liverpool’s defensive vulnerability hasn’t solely been down to Konate. Slot’s team has been very open through the centre of the pitch. This could be attributed to the fact neither Ryan Gravenberch nor Alexis Mac Allister had a long pre-season to fully prepare for the 2025/26 campaign.
The summer addition of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez has also unsettled Liverpool’s backline with both full backs eager to get forward at every possible opportunity. This has left Konate and van Dijk with a lot to do on their own when opponents have been able to get through Liverpool’s first line of confrontation.
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: Liverpool Manager Arne Slot reacts to Florian Wirtz during the 2025 FA Community Shield match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on August 10, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
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A lot changed for Liverpool this season. It broke the Premier League transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen with the German playmaker still to be fully integrated into Slot’s set up. Hugo Ekitike has started well after joining from Eintracht Frankfurt, but could be replaced by Alexander Isak.
Slot is putting across more of his own ideas as he moves into his second season in charge of Liverpool. That evolution might cause some pain in the short-term, but there is still so much talent at Anfield that things will surely come good for the Reds. Konate will surely find his best form again soon.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/grahamruthven/2025/08/26/are-ibrahima-konates-performances-for-liverpool-cause-for-concern/
