Four available centre-backs who could immediately replace Ibrahima Konate in Liverpool’s starting XI

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Liverpool look set to lose Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer after failing to agree terms on a new contract.Konate is reportedly likely to join Paris Saint-Germain, with the Reds losing a £60-70m centre-back for nothing.It’s a blow for Liverpool, and though they have exciting prospects lined up to replace Konate in Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, they surely now need a more experienced option to help ease the burden on Virgil van Dijk next season. Has Konate lived up to his potential, or does he leave having not quite reached it?

The curtain comes down on five up and down years as a Red 😓 Photo Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC Gleison BremerThe oldest on this list, Gleison Bremer is also arguably the best guarantee of success. After four years at Juventus, there have been reports that Bremer could be sold this summer after the Old Lady failed to qualify for the Champions League.It has been suggested that the Brazilian has a release clause of somewhere around £45m, which would not break the bank for Liverpool.At 29 he is potentially beginning a downward trajectory, but given the faith the Reds have in Jacquet and Leoni, maybe this kind of age profile makes sense.

Bremer could bridge the gap between Van Dijk leaving next season and the two young guns stepping up permanently.The former Torino stopper will be at the World Cup with Brazil this summer, where he is likely to show off just what a good defender he is.Photo by Fabrizio Carabelli/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Crystal Palace’s plan for ‘dream’ Liverpool target Adam Wharton following Conference League triumphJan Paul van HeckeIf Liverpool want to go for a slightly younger defender, then a move for Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke would make a great deal of sense.With one year left on his contract at the Amex, and with no signs that a new one will be agreed, it feels likely that the 25-year-old will be available for the right price this summer.Liverpool have been linked with Van Hecke already, and although he would have to make a step up, he is Premier League proven and has played alongside Van Dijk at international level.Brighton drive a hard bargain in the market, but if the Reds can get Van Hecke around the £30-40m mark, he would be a good signing both for now – while Jacquet and Leoni bed in – and for the future, where he could be a second or third choice option.Nico SchlotterbeckAs Konate’s form suffered during the early and middle part of the season, Liverpool supporters were keen for their club to sign Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund.The German was in the midst of his own contract dispute at the time, and although he has since put pen to paper on a new deal with Dortmund, he reportedly has a release clause which makes a summer move plausible. Who would you rather see at Liverpool next season, Diomande or Barcola? 🤔 One of the most exciting teens in Europe vs a Champions League winner… Photo by Oliver Kaelke/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images Liverpool are one of the few clubs who can trigger Schlotterbeck’s release clause, and he would be another, like Van Hecke, who could add more experience without blocking pathways.A Germany international who could start at the World Cup this summer, Schlotterbeck would likely cost a little more than Bremer or Van Hecke, but the 26-year-old is a leader who would help fill the personality gap currently widening within the Liverpool squad.Maxence LacroixFinally, Liverpool would be wise to cast their eyes towards Crystal Palace for another centre-back this summer, and attempt to pluck Maxence Lacroix.Reports have claimed that Lacroix is likely to leave Palace this summer after a brilliant season which has ended with him being named in the French World Cup squad.With three years on his contract, the 26-year-old would not be cheap, and Liverpool have found out the hard way that Palace are not an easy club to buy from.However, Lacroix is clearly ready for the next level, and is another player who could audition to take over from Van Dijk while allowing Liverpool’s young defenders to blossom.