Konate is not just another squad player in this discussion. At his best, he gives Liverpool recovery pace, physical presence and the ability to defend large spaces - all essential traits in a team that spends long periods high up the pitch.
If Liverpool were to lose him now, they would not simply be filling a squad place. They would be trying to replace a starting-level defender while also managing other priorities across the pitch.
The report says Jacquet is expected to join the senior picture ahead of pre-season, with Giovanni Leoni also part of the club’s longer-term thinking. That points to a clear succession plan, but succession plans rarely run in a straight line.
Young centre-backs usually need:
That is especially important if Jacquet is still building back from injury, as the update says. Throwing two younger defenders into immediate front-line responsibility would be a gamble for a club expected to compete on multiple fronts.
Keeping Konate would give Slot something every manager wants in a busy rebuild: one less major problem to solve. It would allow Liverpool to phase in younger defenders instead of forcing them into the spotlight too early.
The next key moment will be whether this hint turns into movement on a new deal. If it does, Liverpool can approach the rest of the window with far more control - and with their centre-back transition looking a lot healthier.