Journalist Claims Liverpool are Eyeing Shock Move to Sign Brentford Defender
With Ibrahima Konaté's long-term future at Anfield hanging in the balance, Liverpool may be forced into a proactive defensive reshuffle. According to TBR Football, the Reds are weighing up a move for Brentford's Nathan Collins, a 24-year-old Irish international who could provide the kind of reliability and leadership that Arne Slot's backline lacked during crucial spells last season.
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This comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding Konaté, who is now in the final year of his Liverpool contract. Reports from Spain suggest that Real Madrid are lining up a free transfer for the Frenchman next summer, leaving Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes with little room to manoeuvre. As noted by Football Insider, the club want clarity on Konaté's situation by the end of August.
Why Collins Is on Liverpool's Radar
While not the most glamorous name in the market, Collins represents a profile that aligns with Liverpool's pragmatic recruitment approach. Graeme Bailey's report for TBR Football confirms that the Reds are one of three Premier League sides interested in the Brentford man, alongside Arsenal and Spurs. New Liverpool boss Arne Slot could see him as a dependable asset, particularly given the injury-prone nature of the current centre-back pool.
Photo: IMAGO
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The numbers do not lie. Collins was the only outfield player to feature in every single minute of the 2024–25 Premier League season — a rarity in modern football. This durability will not have gone unnoticed by the Anfield decision-makers. For context, Virgil van Dijk was just two games short of the same record, only missing out after being rested against Brighton late in the campaign.
This level of trust and fitness makes Collins a standout candidate. As Bailey noted, 'He was invariably trusted by Frank, and he's hugely reliable in terms of availability.' Slot may value that consistency more than any flashy reputation.
Leadership and Old-School Defensive Qualities
Collins is not just a body to fill a shirt. His leadership credentials are already evident. The Brentford website describes him as a 'born leader', and rightly so. He has captained the Republic of Ireland and even wore the armband for Stoke City at the tender age of 18 in a Carabao Cup tie.
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Statistically, he ticks several boxes. According to FBref, he ranks in the top 3% of centre-backs in Europe's top five leagues for blocks per 90 minutes (2.03), top 12% for aerial duels won (3.08), and top 21% for clearances (5.95). These are numbers that mirror the type of rugged, no-nonsense defending Liverpool fans grew to love under the likes of Jamie Carragher.
What's more, Collins is not just a destroyer. His attacking contributions for Brentford last term — two goals and five assists — highlight a defender who can influence both boxes, a trait that fits Slot's more expansive system.
Potential Chain Reaction in Defence
Liverpool's interest in Collins is not solely about Konaté. Jarell Quansah has also attracted interest, notably from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. Should both he and Konaté leave, Liverpool's centre-back ranks would be alarmingly thin.
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While Collins may have appeared a surprise name at first glance, his durability, experience, and tactical fit make him a more logical target on closer inspection. As TBR Football concluded, 'Perhaps the ever-present Irishman mightn't be such a left-field candidate to replace him after all.'
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
From a Liverpool fan's perspective, the interest in Nathan Collins might not set pulses racing. There is no denying the stats are impressive, but fans could be forgiven for asking whether this is a genuine upgrade or simply another depth option.
Konaté, for all his inconsistency, offers a top-tier physical profile and elite-level experience. Replacing him with a player who has never featured in European competition or played for a top-six club might feel like a step backwards.
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There's also a lingering concern about ambition. Brentford had a poor campaign by their standards, so plucking their standout defender raises questions. Is this a calculated move, or just the result of a restricted budget?
Slot's title-winning debut season earned plenty of goodwill, but with Champions League football returning, fans will expect more than safe hands. They'll want a marquee defender, someone with presence, pedigree, and perhaps even a name that commands dressing room respect.
Collins could surprise us, but Liverpool supporters may prefer the club to aim higher — especially if Konaté departs. The Irishman may yet prove himself, but right now, many fans are unconvinced he's the solution to a potentially gaping hole in defence.
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