Liverpool are ready to drop a transfer bomb that will rock the Premier League this summer.
With Ibrahima Konate’s future hanging by a thread, Arne Slot’s side have made Newcastle United’s rock-solid centre-back Malick Thiaw their NUMBER ONE defensive target — a £70million German colossus who could become the new king of Anfield’s backline.
Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are bracing for the worst. Konate’s contract expires at the end of the season and, although Liverpool insiders remain “hopeful” the 26-year-old will put pen to a new deal, the club’s owners have already activated contingency mode. Sources close to the club have confirmed they are actively scouring the market for a senior centre-back ready to walk straight into Slot’s starting XI.
And they’ve found their man.
According to German outlet Fussball Daten, Liverpool have identified the 24-year-old Germany international as their top priority to fill the potential Konate-shaped hole. Thiaw, the former AC Milan star who has become a defensive monster at St James’ Park, is seen as the perfect blend of power, pace and composure to partner Virgil van Dijk.
Newcastle are reportedly demanding a staggering €80million (£70m) for the 6ft 3in colossus — a fee that would make him one of the most expensive defenders in Premier League history. Yet Liverpool are undeterred. They know quality like this doesn’t come cheap.
The interest doesn’t stop there. Manchester United and Bayern Munich are also circling the Germany international, setting up what could become a frantic summer scramble for one of Europe’s most coveted young defenders.
But Thiaw is only the beginning of Liverpool’s defensive revolution.
CaughtOffSide reports that the Reds are also keeping close tabs on Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni. The 26-year-old Italy international — described by sources as “a dream successor for Virgil van Dijk” — is valued between €90m-€100m. Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea and even Manchester City are monitoring the situation, but Liverpool’s long-standing admiration (first revealed by TEAMtalk in December 2025) puts them right in the mix.
A source with knowledge of Bastoni’s thinking told TEAMtalk last year: “Alessandro is happy at Inter, and in Italy, but at 26, there is the belief he might look to try his hand abroad. He is at the top of his game, and not many in the world currently compare to him. 2026 is going to be a big year for him.”
While the big-money moves grab the headlines, Liverpool and Manchester City are already locked in a private war for one of Europe’s brightest young talents — Austrian sensation Samson Baidoo.
The 20-year-old, currently shining at Lens in Ligue 1, has exploded onto the scene with two goals and an assist in just 18 appearances this season. Sports Boom claims both Premier League giants are “leading the pursuit” of the Austria international, with Lens holding out for €45m–€55m.
It’s a classic Anfield vs Etihad tug-of-war — and one that could define who wins the race for the next generation of elite centre-backs.
For Slot, the message is clear: the defensive rebuild is already underway. Whether Konate stays or goes, Liverpool are refusing to be caught short. Thiaw is the headline act, Bastoni the luxurious Plan B, and Baidoo the exciting long-term insurance policy.
Newcastle fans will be furious at the prospect of losing their defensive colossus so soon after his arrival. Manchester City will be watching every move like hawks. And the rest of England? They’re about to be stunned.
This summer, Anfield is going shopping — and they’re not coming home empty-handed.
£70m for Thiaw. Eyes on Bastoni. Battle for Baidoo. The Konate era could be ending… and Liverpool are making sure the next one starts with a bang.
Stay tuned. The transfer window hasn’t even opened yet, but the fireworks have already begun.