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4 hours ago
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Liverpool's defence will look very different at the start of the 2025/26 season.
Arne Slot led the Reds to the Premier League title as part of a superb first campaign in charge but the Dutch coach is looking to refresh his backline.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid will force a reshuffle at right-back with Jeremie Frimpong already arriving from Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen.
Slot is also reportedly closing in on a deal for Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez, as he looks to plan for the long-term of Andy Robertson's future, with Kostas Tsimikas tipped to move on.
The retention of Virgil van Dijk was a key boost for Slot - with his fellow Dutchman renewing alongside Mohamed Salah until 2027 - but there is a question mark over his central defensive partner for 2025/26.
France international Ibrahima Konate has filled the role in the last 12 months, but with no update on his contract which expires in 2026, the club may utilise this summer's transfer window to secure a fee for the Parisian.
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Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez will not be updated from back up roles, and that could mean a major move for a new centre-back, that fits alongside La Oranje pair Frimpong and Van Dijk.
Reports from across Europe claim Slot is looking at Sporting CP star Ousmane Diomande and Rennes central defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal with both players commanding huge transfer fees.
Which defenders will Liverpool sign in 2025?
With Frimpong secured and an agreement close for Kerkez, Slot has addressed two key spots, and a move for a new centre-back depends on Konate's intentions.
If the France star signs a renewal, Slot is expected to close the door on that position for at least 12 months, but the club will not allow his deal to run down and facilitate a free transfer next summer.
21-year-old Diomande played a vital role in Sporting CP's trophy double in 2024/25 with 29 starts from 34 league games alongside Goncalo Inacio.
With Viktor Gyokeres potentially moving on, Sporting CP will be wary of a mass player exodus from Lisbon, but Portuguese outlet A Bola claim the Reds have made the 'first step' towards a €45m [$52m] offer for the Ivory Coast international.
Reports from French source Le360 Sport claim Ait Boudlal is also being considered by Slot after a strong six months on loan at Amiens.
The Moroccan is attracting interest from Serie A and La Liga clubs - and would be available for a fraction of Diomande's price - but with less experience.
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