The start of the summer transfer window has been the stuff of dreams for Liverpool fans. Even the most optimistic supporter would have found the Reds’ early business too good to believe just a couple of months ago.
The confirmation of Jeremie Frimpong before the window had even opened was enough to whet the appetite, but the imminent arrival of Florian Wirtz is set to provide the grandest of main courses. And just to put the cherry on top, Milos Kerkez is surely set to follow soon.
There could be even more signings to come later in the window, although it’s likely we’ll see some departures first, which may include some tough decisions for the club.
Some will be easier than others - Darwin Nunez, for example, looks almost certain to be on his way. A few, like Harvey Elliott and Ben Doak, will leave fans torn, while a potential exit for Andy Robertson would be a gut-wrenching one for a lot of supporters.
With just a year left on his contract though, and with his place coming under threat from Kerkez, a parting of ways may prove to be the best option for both parties in the end, and ensure Liverpool doesn’t miss out on making some money from another player exit.
That is of course the one sore spot this summer for the Reds after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid. Although fans have quickly moved on thanks to the subsequent business, Liverpool does need to keep the right-back’s departure in mind, given it looks like it’s walking into the same situation again.
Like Robertson, Ibrahima Konate has just one year left on his contract. Unlike Robertson, there doesn’t seem to be a quick fix.
Ibrahima Konate has just one year remaining on his Liverpool contract
Ibrahima Konate has just one year remaining on his Liverpool contract (Image: Getty Images)
Once again, Real seems to be lurking with intent as it spies another free transfer, and Liverpool fans will be spotting some familiar signs.
We’ve got another long, drawn out saga, with still no sign of a renewal despite a new deal being offered midway through last season, a player talking up his personal goals - Konate even looks as though he might have been brushing up on his Spanish like a certain other defender.
Liverpool is in a tricky spot with the 26-year-old. Clearly, it wants him signed up long-term, having become such an integral part of Arne Slot’s side, but as we know only too well, once Real starts showing interest, it tends to get what it wants.
So what can the Reds do? Well, one report has suggested that Konate has been given a deadline to make a decision before Liverpool considers moving him on.
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That needs to be taken with a pinch - or even more - of salt, but it is a stance that Liverpool should be seriously considering.
Clearly, something big is being built at Anfield this summer, and this is another unwanted distraction. Fans don’t want to feel like they’re being strung along by another player, only for him to have been swayed by the bright lights of the Bernabeu yet again.
It's not a decision the club can rush into by any stretch of the imagination, but if a new contract isn't forthcoming, then Liverpool needs to be thinking about the possibility of moving Konate on before he can walk away for nothing - and there won't be the Club World Cup to offer a reprieve next year.
It would be a drastic call, but Liverpool needs to gauge exactly where it stands with Konate. It can't have another Alexander-Arnold on its hands.