Article body analysed
Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate has been injured of late, with a South American star reportedly lined up to step into his shoes
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Liverpool are looking to bring in a new defender, with one star having given a green light to move to the Premier League. The Reds have the best backline in the division by the numbers this term. Arne Slot's team have conceded just 11 goals all season, with Virgil van Dijk and his centre-back partner Ibrahima Konate – ranked at no. 8 in Four Four Two's list of the best centre-backs in the world right now – both impressing. But with Konate recently injured, the Frenchman's importance has been reinforced – and with Jarell Quansah perhaps not at the same level, the Merseysiders could dip into the transfer market. Manager Arne Slot has good options in his Liverpool defence, with stalwart skipper Van Dijk and Konate his preferred partnership at the back. Joe Gomez has stepped into a variety of roles, with Quansah filling in, too. But with Gomez having suffered from injury issues over the years, Van Dijk's future still to be decided and Joel Matip not replaced after the summer, Liverpool could perhaps do with another centre-back to step in for Konate. Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws have noted the Reds' interest in Joel Ordonez, with the Ecuadorian on the radar of Chelsea, too. Further to the interest, the 20-year-old is quoted as saying, “I would like that, ” in reference to the interest, with his manager admitting that clubs are circling for him – potentially in January. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. “That’s ultimately what you want as a player, ” Club Brugge boss Nicky Hayen said. “What makes me happy is that Joel always does his job despite the interest. “You have no control over when that transfer will happen. It could be in the winter, but it could also be after this season, which we would prefer. ” In Four Four Two's opinion, Ordonez is ready for a step up and playing as cover for Liverpool's senior centre-backs is perhaps the perfect move. With Slot saying, it was “difficult to judge how many” weeks Konate would be out for at the start of November, it would be ideal to have extra options to choose from at the back from January. Ordonez is worth €9 million, according to Transfermarkt. Liverpool take on Girona this week when Champions League action returns. Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at Four Four Two. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer. Arsenal want Dan Ashworth - for a VERY different kind of revolution Manchester United want to replace Andre Onana, following weekend horror show: report 'I think that’s the respectful thing for two captains to do after a game. I probably boiled over a bit at the end, with a bit of everything coming out': Jarrod Bowen lifts lid on heated clash with Mario Lemina after West Ham's win over Wolves Four Four Two is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. ©
Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury,
Bath
BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.