Ibrahima Konaté Contract Standoff Puts Liverpool in Tough Spot Amid Real Madrid Interest
There has been a new development for the past two days around Ibrahima Konte at Liverpool. It has been reported that negotiations between the Frenchman and Liverpool have stalled after the Frenchman rejected Liverpool's new contract proposal. Ibrahima Konate has one more year in his contract with Liverpool, and if Liverpool doesn't get him to renew his contract soon, he could end up leaving the club as a free agent next summer. This is what Liverpool is trying to avoid, as the same thing happened with Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer, which resulted in the Englishman joining Real Madrid.
Liverpool only received 10 million euros for Alexander-Arnold, and that was because Real Madrid wanted him to be available for the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup, as Trent's contract was expected to end in July. There are rumours that Real Madrid is eyeing Konate, but it is nothing concrete yet, just a rumour, and if this turns out to be true, then Liverpool may be losing Konate in the next summer transfer window. Real Madrid is a top club, and it is rare for players to reject Real Madrid when they bring their sporting project to the table.
It's not just Real Madrid alone as FC Barcelona has the same pull for attracting players into the clubs. Players are sometimes willing to reduce their salaries to join Barcelona. Liverpool is at risk of losing a good centre back next year because Virgil Van Dijk and Konate are the two top centre backs at Liverpool, and losing one of them would put Liverpool's defence in shambles. After all, I can't say Arne Slot can count on Gomez alone because he has not given that top quality in the defence for some years, he is more of a backup than the main defender on the team.
Liverpool is exploring the possibility of bringing Marc Guehi this summer. There jas not been a fee given by Crystal Palace for the defender as Liverpool will try to get a green light from the player on personal terms and as I reported in my last post, Marc Guehi is looking to see out his contract at Crystal Palace. Ibrahim Konte is a top player and has proven to possess good qualities on the pitch and also a leader at the defence alongside Virgil Van Dijk. Liverpool has to do everything within their power to negotiate and come to an agreement with Konte as soon as possible.
Two things can happen, and one of them is that if Liverpool can't come to an agreement with Konate, then they should put him on the market. The second thing is if Konate doesn't agree to accept a new contract, then they can instruct the manager not to give him minutes on the pitch, and I am sure Konate won't want that as the FIFA World Cup is scheduled to happen next year. The Frenchman will want to actively play to be fit and be called up by the French national coach to participate in the competition.
It is going to be a long summer and there is still time to strike a deal. Ibrahim Konte's story is one to watch this summer, and I will be following up for any updates. So, guys, that will be all for now.