Liverpool seek Jan Paul van Hecke as Konate departs

Ibrahima Konate will leave Liverpool when his contract expires on 30 June. Liverpool have begun talks with Jan Paul van Hecke as a possible replacement.

Konate's five-year spell at Liverpool has been described as successful. Losing him on a free transfer is a major setback for the club.

Liverpool could delay signing a centre‑back until 2027 when Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk also become free agents. The club would still prefer to secure a new defender this summer.

Jan Paul van Hecke is a 25‑year‑old Dutch defender currently at Brighton & Hove Albion. He made 36 Premier League appearances in the 2025/26 season, scoring three goals and providing three assists. His performances have earned him a place in the Netherlands national squad.

Tottenham Hotspur have made two bids for van Hecke, and the defender has expressed interest in joining them. Brighton chief executive Paul Barber confirmed the club rejected both offers. Brighton’s valuation for van Hecke is reported around £50 million, with only 12 months left on his contract. If no deal is reached, Brighton risk losing him for free in 2027.