There will be a high-profile centre-back poker match next summer and Liverpool are right in the middle of it.
If they don’t play their cards correctly, they risk ending up empty-handed. The problem mainly concerns three players – Ibrahima KonateDayot Upemecano and Marc Guéhi.
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All three are at the end of their contracts in the summer of 2026 and the best clubs on the continent are all paying close attention. Konate has been with the Reds since 2021 – but he looks increasingly likely to leave at the end of the season.
If that happens, the Anfield club would love to replace him with Guehi – although competition is expected to intensify for a player Liverpool thought they had on deadline day.
Konaté at the center of the defenders’ poker match
And then there’s Upamecano to consider.
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Just like Liverpool and Konate, Bayern Munich fear that their 26-year-old French central defender will NOT sign a new contract and move elsewhere.
Upamecano could end up at Real Madrid – and Liverpool have also been considered outsiders for his signature. However, it is unlikely that Madrid will end up with Upamecano AND Konate.
Bayern in talks for Konaté deal
And it’s there Bayern Munich enter the mix for Konaté.
According to Mercato on footdiscussions are underway between the Bavarians and the French international defender. FC Hollywood seeks to protect itself against the departure of Upamecano by replacing him with his colleague from the Blues.
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“Discussions have already taken place with those around the Frenchman, whose contract with Liverpool expires next June,” we can read.
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Guehi will end up at Liverpool
So the situation could end up looking like this.
Konaté leaves Liverpool at the end of his contract and joins Bayern Munich. He would come to the club in place of Upamecano, who will join Real Madrid.
And Liverpool, in an ideal world, would end up replacing Konate with Guehi.
It has been described as Konate’s ‘dream’ to sign for Real Madrid, but he could find himself left out if they opt for Upamecano instead.
Indeed, it is claimed that Upa has already reached a verbal agreement with the 15-time European champions. Three defenders, three expiring contracts – and a very high-stakes game of transfer poker.
