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Football Insider

Liverpool and Tottenham Tracking Young Bundesliga Defender as Reds Eye Long-Term Ibrahima Konate Successor

Premier League giants Liverpool and Tottenham have set their sights on 21-year-old Wolfsburg centre-back Konstantinos Koulierakis, who is rapidly emerging as one of the Bundesliga's standout young defenders. Both clubs are preparing potential moves as interest across Europe continues to grow.

Liverpool and Tottenham Tracking Young Bundesliga Defender as Reds Eye Long-Term Ibrahima Konate Successor

Liverpool and Tottenham have set their sights on 21-year-old Wolfsburg centre-back Konstantinos Koulierakis, who is rapidly emerging as one of the Bundesliga’s standout young defenders. With Liverpool planning for a future beyond Ibrahima Konate and Spurs seeking depth on the left side of defence, both clubs are preparing potential moves as interest across Europe continues to grow.The Premier League giants Liverpool and Tottenham are closely monitoring the development of Wolfsburg defender Koulierakis, with both clubs reportedly considering him as a priority target for the upcoming windows. The Greek international has impressed significantly since moving from PAOK in 2024, integrating quickly into the Bundesliga and establishing himself as a composed, left-footed central defender capable of playing in a high-line system.Liverpool’s interest is understood to be strategic, with the club preparing for the possible departure of French international Konate, who has not yet signed an extension and could leave on a free at the end of the season. Konate’s injury record has further complicated the situation, prompting Liverpool to explore long-term replacements who can grow under Arne Slot’s evolving defensive structure.Spurs, meanwhile, are seeking cover and competition for the Dutch starlet Micky van de Ven, especially after a series of injuries exposed the squad’s defensive depth. The London club have long targeted athletic, progressive centre-backs, and Koulierakis’ ability to play comfortably on the left side makes him an ideal stylistic match.Wolfsburg have developed a strong reputation for producing high-level central defenders, with recent examples including Van de Ven and Maxence Lacroix, both of whom have earned moves to the Premier League, joining Spurs and Crystal Palace, respectively. Koulierakis appears to be the next in that line, displaying anticipation, ball-carrying confidence, and strong aerial presence despite being just 21.Transfer expert Graeme Bailey highlighted the growing demand around the defender when speaking to TBR Football, explaining: “Koulierakis is attracting a lot of attention across Europe, composed and left-sided, left-footed defenders do tend to carry a bit more of a premium and he is standing out at the moment.”Both the Reds and Spurs have been scouting him for months, while several continental clubs are also monitoring his progress. Wolfsburg are expected to resist offers in January unless a significant bid arrives, though a summer move appears more realistic.Koulierakis’ profile fits the modern demands of high-tempo Premier League football, and his control in possession, willingness to break lines through passing, and strong spatial awareness allow him to operate in systems that build attacks from the back.He has also demonstrated high-potential aerial control, winning a higher percentage of aerial duels than Van de Ven during the Dutch defender’s final season at Wolfsburg. Last season, Koulierakis attempted 256 long passes, completing nearly 44%, a strong indicator of his ability to launch transitions and switch play efficiently.Though not the quickest centre-back, Koulierakis compensates through sharp positioning and reading of play, qualities that appeal particularly to data-driven recruitment models like Liverpool’s.For now, Wolfsburg are not under pressure to sell, but they are aware that interest in Koulierakis is rising rapidly. With both Liverpool and Tottenham planning structural defensive upgrades before next season, a competitive bidding scenario is becoming increasingly likely.Liverpool will continue monitoring him as they weigh decisions on Konate and the long-term future of their defensive core. Tottenham, meanwhile, are keen to secure depth ahead of future European ambitions and see Koulierakis as a player with potential to develop into a consistent Premier League starter.Whether a move happens in January or next summer may depend on how aggressively the clubs move, and how much Wolfsburg really demand.

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Overview of the Situation

Liverpool and Tottenham are closely monitoring the development of Wolfsburg defender Konstantinos Koulierakis, considering him as a priority target for the upcoming windows. With Liverpool planning for a future beyond Ibrahima Konate and Spurs seeking depth on the left side of their defence, both clubs have identified Koulierakis as a potential solution.

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Liverpool's Strategic Interest

Liverpool's interest in Koulierakis is strategic, as they prepare for a possible departure of Ibrahima Konate. The French international has not yet signed an extension, and concerns over his injury record have prompted the club to explore long-term replacements. Koulierakis fits the bill as a composed, left-footed central defender who can thrive under Arne Slot's defensive setup.

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Spurs' Defensive Depth Concerns

On the other hand, Tottenham are seeking cover and competition for Micky van de Ven on the left side of their defence. With a focus on athletic, progressive centre-backs, Koulierakis' ability to play comfortably on the left makes him an appealing option for Spurs. The club sees him as a stylistic fit for their defensive philosophy.

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Rising Profile of Koulierakis

Konstantinos Koulierakis has attracted significant attention across Europe due to his composed style of play and left-sided defensive abilities. His strengths in anticipation, ball-carrying confidence, and aerial presence have made him a sought-after prospect. Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has highlighted the premium on left-footed defenders like Koulierakis in the market.

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Wolfsburg's Production Line of Defenders

Wolfsburg has a reputation for developing high-quality central defenders, with recent examples like Micky van de Ven and Maxence Lacroix earning moves to the Premier League. Koulierakis seems to be the next rising star from the German club, showcasing abilities that align well with the demands of modern football.

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Potential Move and Player Analysis

While Wolfsburg may resist offers in January, a summer transfer for Koulierakis appears more realistic. His skill set, including control in possession, passing range, and spatial awareness, suits the Premier League's high-tempo style. His impressive aerial control and ability to launch transitions make him an attractive prospect for both Liverpool and Tottenham.

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Conclusion and Future Prospects

As interest in Konstantinos Koulierakis continues to rise, Liverpool and Tottenham will closely monitor his progress. A competitive market could develop as both clubs plan defensive upgrades. While Wolfsburg are not under immediate pressure to sell, the next transfer window could see heightened activity around the talented young defender.

Published on Nov 6, 2025