The club has made a €40 million bid along with a substantial contract offer for the Sporting star, leaving Sporting in shock. However, Diomande’s brief eight-word reply caught Liverpool off guard.
Liverpool faces new injury troubles as Ibrahima Konate is sent home from France duty.
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate will return to Anfield after being sent home from international duty due to an injury sustained during the international break.
Ibrahima Konate has been withdrawn from the France squad due to ongoing injury issues. The defender remained on the bench during the match against Azerbaijan and will not travel to Iceland.
The Liverpool defender arrived at Clairefontaine with an injury and has not been able to recover in time to participate for Les Bleus in World Cup qualifying. Konate had to leave the field during the Reds’ last Premier League game against Chelsea.
Didier Deschamps’ team is scheduled to fly to Reykjavik on Saturday evening to prepare for their match against Iceland on Monday. The decision has been made for Konate to remain behind as he continues his recovery.
Liverpool is reportedly planning a January transfer for Ousmane Diomande as a potential replacement for Konate, amid uncertainty regarding Ibrahima Konaté’s long-term position at Anfield, according to Fichajes.
The Sporting CP centre-back has been on the radar of elite scouts since his swift ascent from FC Midtjylland to Lisbon in January 2023, where he quickly became one of Europe’s most sought-after young defenders.
At just 21, Diomande already has significant experience at both club and international levels.
With indications that the Reds may look to revamp their defense in the winter transfer window, the Ivorian has emerged as a key target.
Liverpool’s interest is influenced by Konaté’s contract status. The French centre-back has yet to sign a new agreement at Anfield, leaving his long-term future with the club in doubt
With Real Madrid in the mix, Liverpool might find themselves in a situation reminiscent of what they experienced with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
To prepare for such an eventuality, the Reds are proactively working behind the scenes to address a potential challenge, and Diomande has emerged as a player of interest.
The club cannot afford to be short on centre-backs during a critical time of the season, particularly with European obligations and a busy winter schedule ahead.
The Lisbon club is known for their strong negotiation tactics and usually demands compensation that reflects both a player’s potential and the security of their contract.
From the player’s viewpoint, Anfield presents a reliable development environment for defenders and a style that aligns with his strengths.
Should the Reds choose to make a move mid-season, they would not only be adding depth for a title challenge but also securing a centre-back capable of solidifying the defense for years to come.
