Liverpool remain concerned about Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation and their search for a new centre-back could intensify as a result, TBR Football can reveal.
As things stand, Ibrahima Konate has a contract with Liverpool until 2026 and Richard Hughes and his team would love to extend his deal way beyond that date.
However, the two parties are not close to an agreement right now and Liverpool might be forced to make a big decision this summer.
In just over six months’ time, Konate would be free to negotiate with foreign sides, and plenty of clubs are interested.
Real Madrid are keeping an eye on Konate, the likes of Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain might not be too far behind, either.
Liverpool could sell Ibrahima Konate as a result of his contract demands
That being said, our chief football correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Konate is asking for ‘big money’ in contract talks, which might even be as a result of his desire to leave.
Chelsea were interested in Konate earlier this year themselves, and it’s clearly not an ideal situation for sporting director Hughes, who might be forced to sell the defender in order to avoid him eventually leaving for nothing.
Ibrahima Konate looks on as Liverpool walk out to play a Premier League match.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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Bailey explained: “Liverpool have a big situation with Konate’s contract and if a deal isn’t agreed in the next month, there’s a real prospect of him being sold.
“He’s demanding big money from Liverpool to re-sign — it’s less than what Trent Alexander-Arnold was offered, but it’s not an awful lot less.
“Does he genuinely want that deal or is he doing that to get himself out on a free next summer?
“We’ll have to see how it plays out but it’s a fascinating situation — but not for Liverpool fans, it’s an annoying situation for them.
Richard Hughes is on the hunt for a new defender
Irrespective of Konate’s situation, Arne Slot’s side want to sign a new central defender this summer, hence Liverpool’s interest in Dean Huijsen in recent months.
However, as Bailey goes on to explain, the profile of defender Hughes searches for could change quite dramatically depending on whether Konate stays or goes.
Bailey continued: “Konate’s situation impacts on who Liverpool sign this summer – if he stays, do they look for a young upcoming prospect like Nathan Zeze at Nantes?
“But if Konate was to leave, would they then get involved with someone more expensive like Marc Guehi or Illia Zabarnyi, or even a Jarrad Branthwaite…maybe.”
Liverpool looked at Zeze earlier this summer when it became clear that Real Madrid were winning the race for Huijsen from Bournemouth.
And whether Konate stays or goes, Liverpool will surely want the situation clarified as soon as possible.