The 26-year-old centre-back, signed from RB Leipzig in 2021 for around £36m, is in the final six months of his contract, which expires on June 30, 2026. Recent updates from reliable sources, including David Ornstein of The Athletic, confirm there has been “no breakthrough” on new terms despite ongoing discussions. This has placed Konaté on course to leave as a free agent in the summer, prompting Liverpool to consider proactive measures to avoid losing a key squad member without compensation.
Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has been the most vocal advocate for a bold move, proposing a straight swap with Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa. In interviews with BetWright and outlets like The Mirror, Liverpool Echo, and CaughtOffside (published January 14, 2026), Collymore argued the deal “could work for both parties” amid Liverpool’s defensive uncertainties and Villa’s PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) pressures.
Collymore highlighted Konaté’s inconsistent form this season—marked by errors contributing to goals and a dip in reliability—contrasting it with Konsa’s emergence as one of the Premier League’s most composed and tactically astute centre-backs. At 28, Konsa is tied to Villa until 2028 and has been a mainstay under Unai Emery, helping the club sit competitively in the table. Stats comparisons (via sources like DataMB) show Konsa edging ahead in areas like passing accuracy and defensive discipline, while Konaté retains advantages in physicality and recovery pace.
The rationale is pragmatic: Liverpool could secure an immediate, in-form replacement without a hefty fee, sidestepping the risk of Konaté departing for nothing (or to elite clubs like PSG, Bayern Munich, or Real Madrid, though interest has cooled due to his performances). For Villa, acquiring Konaté—a physical, athletic profile fitting Emery’s system—might offset PSR concerns if they sell Konsa, though a pure swap would minimize cash outlay.
However, the proposal remains pundit-driven speculation rather than confirmed club interest. No official bids or negotiations have been reported between Liverpool and Aston Villa as of January 16, 2026. Liverpool’s transfer stance under Arne Slot has been measured in January, prioritizing squad stability over rushed deals. The club has focused on youth integrations and minor adjustments, with no major incomings or outgoings beyond routine loans and returns.
Broader context shows defensive challenges persisting: injuries have limited options, leaving Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Konaté as primary fits, with concerns over long-term succession as Van Dijk ages. Collymore noted, “Liverpool must identify a replacement for Ibrahima Konaté if he leaves, especially because I don’t think Virgil van Dijk will be far behind him.” Other targets like Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi (also free in summer) or Rennes’ Jérémy Jacquet have been mentioned in recruitment discussions, but a swap aligns with financial prudence amid a transitional period.
Konaté’s own stance adds complexity—he has expressed pride in being at Liverpool but shown no urgency to commit long-term, potentially eyeing higher wages or a bigger stage abroad. A January exit would require his willingness to move mid-season, especially to a domestic rival like Villa.
As the window closes on February 2, 2026, this “surprise swap” idea has generated buzz among fans and media, with X discussions mixing intrigue and skepticism. Some view it as a clever workaround to contract limbo; others question Konaté’s appetite for the switch or Villa’s readiness to part with Konsa. Liverpool’s hierarchy, including sporting director Richard Hughes, appears content to monitor the market without panic buys, but a deal materializing would represent a dramatic twist in an otherwise quiet window for the Reds.
For now, the tip stems from Collymore’s analysis rather than concrete advances, but it underscores the pressing need for defensive clarity as Liverpool navigates a challenging campaign. Whether it evolves into reality or fades as punditry remains to be seen, but Konaté’s situation continues to dominate transfer talk at Anfield. (Word count: 852)
