The January transfer window is creeping closer, and Liverpool fans know the drill.
Every rumor feels like a match-winning moment, every link feels like a late goal, and every whisper makes the heart race a little faster.
But this week brought something more concrete. Renowned transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio (via AceOdds) has reportedly outlined Liverpool’s key plans — and dropped a surprise involving Ibrahima Konate.
It arrives at a time when Arne Slot is shaping his squad in quiet but firm ways. The Reds are balancing injuries, contract talks, and the need to strengthen key positions.
Supporters have been waiting for clarity, and these comments give the clearest picture yet of how Liverpool may move when the window opens.
And while names like Chiesa, Leao, and Yildiz dominate headlines across Europe, it is the story around Konate that has created the biggest stir on Merseyside.
The French defender’s situation appears far more uncertain than many expected — and it may shape Liverpool’s entire January plan.
A twist in the tale Liverpool did not see coming in January transfer window
Di Marzio believes Real Madrid are now in position to land Konate in the summer, saying: “Real Madrid is the most likely destination for Konate. Nothing advanced yet but it is the most likely destination.”
He also added that Liverpool are preparing for multiple outcomes: “That’s why Liverpool are thinking of getting two defenders and not one because they don’t know what will happen with Konate in the summer.”
Konate – Games Missed Through Injury for Liverpool
| Season | Injury Type | Dates | Games Missed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022/23 | Knee injury | Jul 31 – Oct 4, 2022 | 10 |
| 2022/23 | Muscle issue | Oct 16 – Oct 26, 2022 | 4 |
| 2023/24 | Hamstring injury | Jan 29 – Mar 1, 2023 | 5 |
| 2023/24 | Muscle injury | Aug 25 – Sep 15, 2023 | 4 |
| 2023/24 | Thigh problems | Mar 7 – Mar 23, 2024 | 4 |
| 2024/25 | Knee injury | Nov 28, 2024 – Early Jan 2025 | 7 |
Konate’s injury list is long, and it explains why Liverpool may feel the need to reinforce. You could say defenders at Anfield have had to “step up their marking” not only on the pitch but also in the treatment room.
The journalist also noted Liverpool’s long-term interest in Marc Guehi and Nico Schlotterbeck, explaining that both remain on the list and could be monitored from January through summer.
That statement alone places Liverpool in an unusual spot. Konate was expected to be one of the cornerstones of Slot’s defensive unit, but injuries and contract uncertainty have made things complicated.
And with Real Madrid circling, the Reds may be forced into early decisions.
Liverpool’s attacking plans also become clearer
On the forward front, one of the big reveals involved Federico Chiesa. Di Marzio said the winger wants to stay and fight for minutes under Slot, noting: “He wants to convince Liverpool until the last possibility but clubs in Italy are waiting for him.”
Meanwhile, AC Milan reportedly want far more than what has been rumored for Rafael Leao, and Juventus are in talks to extend Kenan Yildiz’s contract. Napoli are also said to be exploring a midfield option, with Kobbie Mainoo seen as a potential loan target.
But for Liverpool, the main focus appears to be the back line — and keeping their options wide open.