Max Wilkins

Sun 31 May 2026 16:10, UK

Liverpool could look to Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa as they look to resolve their defensive woes.

The Reds are coming off the back of a shocking title defence where they were ultimately lucky to seal a Champions League spot in fifth.

That has prompted the Anfield hierarchy to pull the trap door on Arne Slot despite previously backing him to continue into next season.

The news of his exit followed a statement that revealed Ibrahima Konate would be departing at the end of his contract.

That will leave the Merseysiders in need of a new centre-back, with Aston Villa potentially set to face interest in Ezri Konsa moving forward.

Aston Villa to remain strong against Ezri Konsa interest

The England international is just one of several B6 stars who have stuck around through thick and thin to reap the rewards under Unai Emery.

After signing for the Villans in 2019, the 28-year-old has seen it all in claret and blue, from narrowly avoiding relegation to winning the Europa League.

He has also become a regular under both Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel as his profile continues to rise for his performances in claret and blue.

That could see the former Brentford man become a target for Liverpool as they look to replace Konate ahead of the new campaign.

Former Villa scout Bryan King believes anything but a giant bid from Anfield would be flat out rejected by the B6 outfit this summer.

Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: “He won’t go, he won’t leave Aston Villa. I think he’ll start there again next season.

“There will be interest from Liverpool, but Villa will say no.

“That’s unless Liverpool make a ridiculous offer. Other than that, he’ll be there next season.”

Konsa has become a true star under Unai Emery, so losing him would be a blow, but surely everyone has a price at Villa Park.

How far could Liverpool go to sign Konsa?

The Merseyside club haven’t been afraid about splashing the cash in the past 12 months after bringing in the likes of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz for big money.

With a new manager set to come in, likely to be Andoni Iraola, those sorts of funds could become available once again this summer.

If that were to be the case, it could spell trouble for Villa, who may become unable to reject an offer for Konsa if it were to come in.

Liverpool paid £55million for Jeremy Jacquet and £30m for Giovanni Leoni in the past two windows, and it’s fair to say the Englishman is better than them both.

We have reached an agreement for the transfer of Jeremy Jacquet from Stade Rennais, with the defender set to join the club ahead of the 2026-27 season, subject to a work permit and international clearance 🙌🔴

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 2, 2026

They have age on their side, but the experience of the ex-Charlton man could be worth its weight in gold at Anfield next season.

Anywhere upwards of £50m may be enough to bring Villa to the table, although it feels highly unlikely that he will leave B6 any time soon.