Joe Cole suggests Marc Guehi links have affected Ibrahima Konate at Liverpool

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Joe Cole believes the constant transfer links to Marc Guehi are having a detrimental impact on Ibrahima Konate.

The Crystal Palace captain appeared set to follow Alexander Isak to Anfield on deadline day until Oliver Glasner convinced Steve Parish to cancel the deal at the final stages.

Guehi has not let the disappointment of the failed transfer affect his performances this season, as he continues to play a leading role at Selhurst Park.

Furthermore, the centre-back is already considered one of England’s leading defenders and is in a fantastic position to be on the plane to North America this summer for the 2026 World Cup.

However, the lack of depth in central defence has become a serious cause of concern for the Reds, and now ex-Chelsea man Cole believes the constant speculation regarding Guehi is doing more harm than good.

Ibrahima Konate is suffering with a bruised ego at Liverpool

When discussing Liverpool’s defensive woes on TNT Sport, Cole says that Konate’s head may have been turned at Anfield as a result of their public pursuit of Guehi.

“He’s not at it, right? But how much of a player, how much of it as players, is because he would have been obviously reading the news, expecting Mark Guehi to come in.

“Has his head been turned? Is he like, is the ego bruised a little bit? And then once you come off that focus a little bit, as a professional and as a player, sometimes you have a bad game and then it can go a little and if he comes back those stats will change, and I think he will because he’s a top player.”

The 26-year-old was dismissed from France duty and returned to Merseyside due to concerns regarding a quad injury sustained during the 2-1 loss against Chelsea.

Indeed, Konate has underwhelmed for the Reds throughout the opening fixtures, excluding an impressive display in the Merseyside derby; he has not performed to his usual standards.

Although Liverpool boast a new-look defence with Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong operating on either side of the backline, the Frenchman has struggled with his decision-making and appeared error-prone.

Arne Slot admitted he regrets not signing Guehi, and this too may have had a profound effect on Konate, but he is also in the final year of his contract at Anfield and will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a club outside of England on 1 January.

As things stand, Konate has yet to reach an agreement for a new deal, and it is becoming increasingly likely he will depart the Reds at the end of the campaign.

Liverpool are preparing for Ibrahima Konate’s potential exit

According to Liverpool reporter David Lynch, the Reds are interested in Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund if Konate leaves Anfield.

The 25-year-old is one of many potential targets the champions could pursue in the winter transfer window or perhaps at the end of the season.

With Giovanni Leoni set to miss the entirety of his maiden season in English football following an ACL injury, Slot is left with only three senior centre-backs to navigate the hectic fixture schedule ahead.

While the Reds are working towards tying down Konate to a long-term extension, there is clearly a sizeable impasse in contract terms, and based on his recent performances, there is a chance that the club are considering whether the player’s demands are reflective of his impact in the side.