Liverpool have reportedly taken decisive action to strengthen their defensive line, submitting a €40 million offer and a lucrative contract proposal for Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande. The move comes as concerns grow over Ibrahima Konaté’s form, fitness, and unresolved contract situation.
Sources indicate that Liverpool’s hierarchy sees Diomande as a long-term successor to Konaté, whose inconsistency and recent injury problems have left manager Arne Slot searching for stability at the back. The French international was recently released from the national team squad due to ongoing fitness concerns, further intensifying speculation about his future at Anfield.
Liverpool’s approach reportedly “stunned” Sporting officials, who were not expecting an official bid this early in the season. However, the biggest surprise came from Diomande himself — the Ivorian defender’s eight-word response to Liverpool’s offer left the Reds completely taken aback.
While the exact words remain undisclosed, insiders suggest his reply hinted at loyalty to Sporting and confidence in the club’s project under manager Rúben Amorim. Still, Liverpool remain hopeful that a renewed push or an improved financial package could sway the talented defender before the January window closes.
With the team battling injuries and inconsistency at the back, this transfer development signals that Liverpool’s rebuild is already in motion — and the coming weeks could determine whether Diomande becomes the latest addition to Arne Slot’s defensive revolution.
