Liverpool are still on the lookout for a new centre-back after their move to sign Marc Guehi fell apart at the last moment.
Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation means that the Reds are in the market for multiple central defenders unless they are able to wrap up a new deal for the Frenchman. His contract expires at the end of June 2026.
As things stand, Konate’s contract is up at the end of the season, but given that Guehi was supposed to be a replacement for Jarell Quansa, they will need a second centre-back if the Parisian leaves Anfield.
The latest on Liverpool’s transfer priorities for January and the summer of 2026
According to a recent claim from journalist Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool are considering Palace captain Guehi and Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano, who, ironically, partnered with Konate before they parted ways in 2021 for Anfield and the Allianz Arena.
Interestingly, however, Plettenberg adds that Liverpool are also on the search for a top new winger – whether it’s for the left or right flank is unclear.
The reporter says: “At Liverpool, there is currently a very relaxed outlook regarding the next two transfer windows. Adjustments will be made, but not on the same scale as this past summer.
“For the centre-back position, Marc Guéhi and Dayot Upamecano are among the candidates.
“In addition, the club are still searching for a top winger.”
?? At Liverpool, there is currently a very relaxed outlook regarding the next two transfer windows. Adjustments will be made, but not on the same scale as this past summer. #LFC
For the centre-back position, Marc #Guéhi and Dayot #Upamecano are among the candidates. In… pic.twitter.com/yTrqg56obo
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) October 10, 2025
Which winger should Liverpool target in the next two transfer windows?
Given that it’s unclear whether Liverpool are scouring the market for a Luis Diaz replacement or the heir to Mohamed Salah, we’ll discuss an option for either possibility.
Michael Olise to replace Mohamed Salah
With Salah out of contract in July 2027, Liverpool will need to sign a new right winger to replace him when the time does inevitably come. Of course, he could still renew, but given that he would be 35 at the time, it does feel unlikely.
Right wing is relatively void of elite talent at the moment, especially with Lionel Messi playing in America and Salah coming to the end of his career at the top.
Olise is one of the most exciting right-wingers in the world at the moment and would make a more than reasonable replacement for Salah.
Last season, Olise scored 20 goals and got 23 assists for Bayern.
For reference, Salah got 34 goals and 23 assists.
Olise, however, is 23 while Salah is 33. Liverpool would be signing someone a decade younger but with similar numbers.
The French forward is under contract with Bayern Munich until 2029 so the Bavarians will likely not sell him for anything short of an outrageous fee.
Bradley Barcola to replace Luis Diaz
Liverpool selling Diaz to Bayern Munich and not replacing him was a mistake. As much as the Colombian wanted to leave, he was one of the key reasons the Reds won the Premier League last season.
Now, Arne Slot can only rely on Cody Gakpo and 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha at left wing, and it’s become a weak point this season.
Slot is yet to test Hugo Ekitike on the left wing, which could be a solution, but if they want a long-term new signing, Liverpool should go for Bradley Barcola.
With 21 goals and 21 assists in 2024-25, and three goals and two assists so far in 2025-26, Paris Saint-Germain forward, Barcola, is a true double threat and a player Liverpool have been linked with several months now.
All that said, it would be wiser for Liverpool to focus on making things work with the wealth of talent on hand instead of adding another variable into the mix in the form of another world class option.
