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Liverpool ‘ready to pay £42m’ for new defender as Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez deals run out

Liverpool failed to replace Ibrahima Konate this summer when the centre-half joined Real Madrid as a free agent, but could look at bolstering their backline in the January window

By Aaron Morris · Liverpool Echo

Published: Monday, 19 October 2026 at 9:15 PM

Key Things to Know

Liverpool are reportedly ready to pay £42m to permanently sign VfB Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch in January.
Real Madrid and Juventus are also reportedly tracking Jeltsch ahead of a potential bidding war.
Liverpool face defensive depth issues as contracts for Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez expire next summer.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Liverpool are reportedly willing to pay up to £42m to sign VfB Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch in the January transfer window. The 20-year-old centre-back has emerged as a priority permanent transfer target for manager Andoni Iraola as the club looks to strengthen defensive depth following Ibrahima Konate's free transfer departure to Real Madrid.

The Reds could face competition from Juventus and Real Madrid for Jeltsch's signature as the contracts of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez wind down ahead of next summer. Meanwhile, former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness urged the club to award 35-year-old club captain Van Dijk a new contract extension.

Read the full article on Liverpool Echo

Liverpool ‘ready to pay £42m’ for new defender as Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez deals run out

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