Liverpool REIGNITE deal for £68m defensive colossus

Liverpool are set for a centre-back shakeup this summer. Although Virgil van Dijk has renewed his contract until 2027, providing a degree of certainty, there are several question marks over other defensive colleagues.

What will happen with Ibrahima Konate, for example?

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The Frenchman’s contract expires in 2026 and so far no breakthrough has been reached in talks over a new deal.

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With the 25-year-old seeking a hefty pay rise - to £200,000 per week - the club will either have to renew or sell him this summer while his value remains high.

Jarell Quansah is also attracting attention and could fetch a sum of £30 million in the transfer market. Everton and Newcastle are among the teams reportedly interested in the 22-year-old homegrown prospect.

Joe Gomez has suffered a disastrous season, initially finding himself outside Arne Slot’s plans and then suffering a hamstring injury which has all but ended his campaign.

Murillo back on the radar

With the club exploring deals for the veteran stopper last summer, it is very possible that Richard Hughes listens to offers for the England man again this year.

So only Van Dijk is guaranteed a Liverpool future beyond this season. That means reinforcements will be required and one name has again come onto the radar.

It was last year when Murillo, 22, was first linked with Liverpool. The Nottingham Forest colossus was valued at £50m back then but is going to cost much more if he moves this summer.

That’s because the Brazil international has signed an improved contract - extending to 2029 - and has had a stellar campaign which has set Forest up for Champions League qualification.

And according to Caught Offside, Liverpool remain interested in adding the Corinthians graduate to their ranks - but will face competition from Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Arsenal and Liverpool consider Murillo bids

“Arsenal and Liverpool are understood to still be keen on a potential transfer swoop for Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo this summer," the report reads.

“Arsenal and Liverpool are among Murillo’s main suitors, and they first explored this deal with some talks back in January that ultimately proved unsuccessful.

“Still, they remain keen on the Brazil international, who is valued at around €80m (£68m) and also on the radar of Chelsea and Real Madrid.”

As a proven Premier League performer, this deal makes sense so long as the outgoings add up.

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If the Reds can get decent money in for Quansah and Gomez - let’s say £30m each - then it wouldn’t be a massive outlay in the chase for Murillo. Given his age and his quality, this could be the long-term successor to Van Dijk that Liverpool were hoping for.