Arne Slot already has his perfect Ibrahima Konate replacement lined up

Liverpool’s pursuit of Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell has reignited, with sources indicating that the 22-year-old has emerged as Arne Slot’s preferred long-term successor to Ibrahima Konate. The former Leeds United academy graduate, who elected to remain in Ligue 1 last summer despite concrete Premier League interest, is now firmly back on the Anfield radar.

Sports Boom values the centre-back at a modest £26 million, a fee that represents less than half the outlay the Reds recently committed to emerging talent Jacquet. That comparatively low price tag significantly reduces the financial gamble for the Merseyside club; even if Cresswell failed to settle, Liverpool would expect to recoup the bulk of the fee in today’s inflated market.

Beyond economics, Cresswell ticks a critical regulatory box for Slot. As a homegrown player, he would ease the registration headaches that have dogged the squad this season. Federico Chiesa’s omission from the Champions League group-stage list underlined how tight the quota restrictions have become, only resolved when Giovanni Leoni’s injury freed a slot.

Standing well over six feet and boasting a proven knack for attacking set-pieces, Cresswell has already scored regularly for Toulouse, where he anchors the middle of a back three. That tactical role has refined his ability to operate on either side of central defence, offering Slot the versatility he prizes within a high-line system.

Toulouse is braced for fresh approaches before the window closes, and while negotiations can shift rapidly, the re-emergence of sustained links suggests Liverpool believe a deal is there for the taking. Should terms be agreed, Cresswell could arrive at Kirkby earmarked not merely as cover, but as the heir apparent to Konate’s throne.