Liverpool could lose Ibrahima Konate next summer when his contract expires, with the French defender tipped to join Real Madrid on a free transfer – but the Reds have secured personal terms with another talent, and after this weekend’s display, it might turn out to be the smarter acquisition.

Virgil van Dijk remains the leader in Liverpool’s defence, and throughout his eight years he’s had a variety of centre-back partners, with Konate perhaps the strongest of them. Yet Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is said to have agreed personal terms to join Anfield, and that could make him a more reliable successor than the former RB Leipzig man.

With only a year left on his Palace contract, Romano claims that a deal may soon be wrapped up, with Guehi eager to play Champions League football. After shining for England at EURO 2024, lifting the FA Cup with Palace as captain, and attracting interest from Chelsea and Spurs, the defender’s value has risen sharply.

The Reds have also added Parma prospect Giovanni Leoni to their ranks, but the youngster may take years to be first-team ready – making Guehi the immediate replacement if Madrid really intend to lure Konate away from Merseyside.

Some might argue Guehi has already outshone Konate. The Frenchman has never matched Van Dijk’s composure in possession, and he looked vulnerable against Bournemouth in Friday’s league opener, particularly at fault for the Cherries’ equaliser.

Overall, Konate appeared sluggish, careless, and not fully concentrated. His distribution was inconsistent, and Liverpool cannot afford that level of unease if they are serious about defending their Premier League title this season.

At 25, Guehi is entering his prime, and while he and Konate share stylistic similarities, the former’s availability at reduced value and Konate’s possible distraction could convince Liverpool to push the move. Slot’s side would then have a settled backline, plus enhanced leadership, to maintain the foundations of last season’s dominant squad.