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Former English footballer Glen Johnson has urged Liverpool to cash in Chelsea Marc Guehi and replacing with Chelsea Ibrahiim Konate this summer. The French defender is set to enter the final year of his contract next month and has reportedly turned down Liverpool’s initial extension offer. In an interview with Ace Odds, Johnson emphasized that Liverpool should not allow the defender to leave on a free transfer next summer. He added that if the player refuses to sign a new contract, the club should consider benching him.
"Football is a business but it's crazy that a player at that age and ability can leave on a free. Ideally, Liverpool would cash in now, but when Real Madrid comes knocking and the player wants to go, what can you do. He can refuse to move, sit and wait. Madrid have the power and pull, and it's sensible to use it to their advantage. For Liverpool and other teams, you have to cash in sooner because it will cost a fortune to replace Konaté," Johnson said as quoted in Sportskeeda.
Marc Guehi seems to be an ideal replacement for Ibrahima Konaté, Glen Johnson feels
Johnson took it a step further by suggesting Marc Guehi as a potential replacement for Konaté. He believes the former Chelsea defender, now at Crystal Palace, possesses both the potential and the qualities that would make him a good fit for Liverpool. "Marc would be the standout option for me. If they signed him now he would have more time to grow and develop with van Dijk. He won't learn from anyone better. Age is on his side too. It could be a good partnership. He's a raw defender, and he's good on the ball. He's quick, strong and calm on the ball. If he can brush up on a few minor details, he could go on to be some player, not that he isn't already," he said.
Guehi is also heading into the final year of his contract, making it a well-timed opportunity for Liverpool. His growth alongside Van Dijk could help smooth the transition in the event of Konaté’s departure, offering both immediate stability and a long-term solution in defense.
Meanwhile, Konaté appears to be dissatisfied with Liverpool’s extension offer. Both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly monitoring the French defender’s situation closely.
