Ibrahima Konate sent ‘clear message’ by Arne Slot in Liverpool transfer update
Liverpool have had an excellent season, getting their hands on the Premier League title with little competition from elsewhere.
Nevertheless, Arne Slot will already be looking forward to the summer transfer window, ready to strengthen his squad in preparation for another push to the top next season.
There have been plenty of questions over Liverpool’s strength, with suggestions that if it wasn’t for the poor form of others, the Reds wouldn’t have been so dominant.
With that in mind, the Dutchman will be ready to prove that victory was no fluke next term.
Liverpool receive transfer boost
Earlier in the season, no one could blame Liverpool supporters for feeling nervous about what the end of the season would hold.
Thankfully, the Reds have secured Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk on extended contracts, which will no doubt have an influence off the pitch too.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave, with Real Madrid his likely destination and although that has rubbed some supporters up the wrong way, Slot won’t be dwelling on the situation.
Now the internal issues have been sorted out, the Reds are turning their attention to recruitment.
One man on the list of transfer targets is Dean Huijsen, currently at Bournemouth.
According to Florian Plettenberg via X (13 May), the Merseyside outfit have been given a boost in their pursuit of the defender, with the Sky reporter claiming that Liverpool and Arsenal are in pole position to gain his services in the summer.
The defender will be available to Liverpool for a fee of £50million at the end of the season, with the option to pay that in instalments.
Ibrahima Konate delivered message by Slot
Securing the services of van Dijk on another contract makes it clear that the captain will continue to be a focal point of the Liverpool squad next season.
Ibrahima Konate has had a decent season, although his injury record has been somewhat hit and miss.
Therefore, if Liverpool are to continue in their pursuit to sign Huijsen, it could well send a message from the boss to Konate that he is not seen as the number one choice.
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| van Dijk | 36 | 3 | 1 |
| Konate | 29 | 1 | 2 |
| Huijsen | 30 | 3 | 1 |
While there is no doubt that the Reds need depth in their defensive positions, it is incredibly unlikely that Liverpool would be able to convince Huijsen to make the move to Anfield if he were not going to be guaranteed regular minutes.
Therefore, the fact that Slot’s men are still in pole position could suggest that Konate may have to spend some time frustrated on the bench next term, or even look to move on.