Paul Gorst rules out Liverpool move for Premier League star

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Konate Renewal Changes Liverpool’s Defensive Picture

A major reason behind that stance is Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation. The France international is said to be close to signing a new long term deal, which would be a significant boost for Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes.

Konate recently addressed the situation himself, saying: “To be fair, there are many things people have said, but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are [now] close to an agreement.

“I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible but we are in a good way. For sure there is a big chance I’m here next season.

“This is what I always wanted. I’m waiting to sort the contract but when everything is sorted you will have to ask (sporting director) Richard Hughes what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.

“Yes [it’s taken a long time] but this is a negotiation. With Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah last season it was exactly the same, I think they signed the contract in April and this is maybe how the club want it.”

Those comments underline both the player’s desire to stay and Liverpool’s methodical approach to major contract decisions.

Centre Back Stock Already Considered Strong

Liverpool still have Virgil van Dijk at the club, while Giovanni Leoni is expected to form part of next season’s defensive plans. The arrival of £60million signing Jeremy Jacquet would further strengthen that department.

That context makes the Senesi situation logical. Even if he represents good market value, Liverpool do not need to collect centre backs for the sake of it. The bigger questions may lie elsewhere, particularly with uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.

Champions League Qualification Remains Transfer Key

Liverpool remain in contention for Champions League qualification, sitting fourth on 58 points alongside Aston Villa. Their six point cushion over Bournemouth offers control, but the final three games still carry huge importance.

Saturday’s meeting with Chelsea offers Slot’s side a chance to respond to the 3-2 defeat at Manchester United. Qualification would not only protect Liverpool’s sporting status, it would also strengthen their hand in talks with priority targets such as Yan Diomande, Bradley Barcola and Adam Wharton.

For now, Senesi appears to be one name Liverpool are prepared to leave alone.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This feels like a sensible update rather than a disappointing one. Senesi is a solid Premier League defender and the free agent angle naturally makes the link attractive, but Liverpool’s issues this season have not simply been about needing another body at centre back.

If Konate signs a new deal, that is arguably more important than taking a punt on another senior defender. His ceiling remains high, his partnership with Van Dijk has proven quality, and continuity matters when Slot is trying to build more structure into a side that has looked far too open at times.

The bigger concern is whether Liverpool’s recruitment priorities are being directed toward the right areas. If Salah and Robertson are expected to depart, then the attack and left side of defence need serious attention. The midfield could also need a more dominant controller, especially if Slot wants a side that can manage games rather than simply survive them.

Supporters will welcome the club being disciplined, but only if that discipline comes with ambition elsewhere. Passing on Senesi makes sense if Liverpool are saving funds, wages and squad space for higher impact signings. It will look less convincing if the summer ends with obvious gaps still unfilled.