Liverpool’s season has taken an unexpected twist, and it seems manager Arne Slot might soon be forced to make a major defensive decision. Reports suggest tension could be brewing between Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, whose partnership has come under growing scrutiny.

After a strong start to the 2025/26 campaign — which saw the Reds storm to seven straight wins across all competitions — Liverpool’s momentum has dramatically stalled. Their form dipped following the defeat to Crystal Palace, with four consecutive Premier League losses leaving fans frustrated and questioning the team’s direction.

Despite a commanding 5–1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, that victory remains Liverpool’s only success in their last six outings, and pressure is quietly mounting on Arne Slot.

During the summer, Liverpool’s big-money moves for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak raised expectations, but neither has yet delivered consistent performances. Critics are now suggesting that the club may have overlooked defensive priorities — a mistake that’s beginning to show.

Former Crystal Palace and Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew weighed in after Liverpool’s 3–2 defeat to Brentford, claiming that Van Dijk and Konate “looked like they’ve had a fallout.” While the duo have often been rock-solid at the back, recent performances have lacked the dominance fans have come to expect.

To make matters worse, Giovanni Leoni, the club’s new defensive signing, sustained a long-term injury on debut, while Joe Gomez continues to battle for consistent fitness. With limited rotation options, Liverpool’s defense is stretched thin.

Konate’s contract is reportedly set to expire at the end of the season, and whispers of Real Madrid’s interest in the French defender have only intensified speculation. Slot may soon have to decide whether to stick with the current setup or rebuild his defense entirely.

If Konate does depart, Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace has emerged as a leading candidate to bolster Liverpool’s backline. Adding the England international — alongside extra defensive reinforcements — could be exactly what the Reds need to rediscover their stability.