Liverpool manager Arne Slot may soon be forced to make a major defensive decision, as reports suggest growing tension between Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk. The once rock-solid centre-back pairing has come under increasing scrutiny following a series of poor results that have left fans questioning the team’s balance and chemistry at the back.
With roughly a quarter of the 2025/26 season completed, Liverpool’s campaign has been a tale of two halves. The Reds opened the year with seven consecutive wins across all competitions, sparking optimism about defending their Premier League title. Yet, even during that strong run, performances were often unconvincing, with late goals masking underlying weaknesses.
The recent collapse began with a defeat to Crystal Palace and has spiraled into four straight league losses. Apart from a 5–1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, Liverpool’s form has been troubling, placing mounting pressure on Slot and prompting questions about his team selection and summer transfer strategy.
Liverpool invested heavily during the transfer window, signing high-profile names such as Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. However, with both attackers struggling to settle, critics argue that the funds would have been better spent on defensive reinforcements.
Former Premier League manager Alan Pardew added fuel to the debate after the Brentford loss, suggesting that van Dijk and Konaté “looked like they’ve fallen out.” While the duo has long been considered one of Europe’s most formidable partnerships, their recent performances have lacked cohesion and communication.
Complicating matters further, Liverpool’s only new centre-back addition, Giovanni Leoni, suffered a significant injury on his debut, while Joe Gomez continues to battle inconsistency and fitness setbacks. Without adequate depth, Slot’s options remain limited, though reports suggest he may soon have to drop one of his senior defenders to restore stability.
Adding to the uncertainty, Konaté’s contract is reportedly set to expire at the end of the season. Real Madrid are said to be monitoring his situation closely, and a summer move could be on the horizon. If that happens, Liverpool are expected to pursue Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi — a player admired for his composure, leadership, and Premier League experience.
Securing Guehi or another top-level defender could be essential to rebuilding the Reds’ defensive foundation. As the pressure grows, Arne Slot’s handling of this delicate situation could define the remainder of Liverpool’s season — and perhaps even his tenure at Anfield.
