There is concern at Liverpool that another important figure will leave the club alongside Andy Robertson this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
Robertson has been heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, with Diego Simeone’s side seeing him as a leading option to come in at left-back.
It would come as a surprise if the 31-year-old leaves Liverpool, even though Milos Kerkez is coming in as his long-term successor, but he may feel that it’s the right time to depart.
Now, Football Insider‘s O’Rourke claims that the Reds are also “slightly concerned” about Ibrahima Konate leaving in the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid are eyeing a move for the French centre-back, looking to prise him away as they did with Trent Alexander-Arnold, and he only has one year remaining on his current Liverpool deal.
The Reds are said to have “held talks” over a contract extension for the 26-year-old, but “nothing has been agreed” as things stand.
Liverpool must keep Konate this summer
To lose Konate just as he is coming into his prime would be a crying shame for Liverpool, so this undoubtedly represents a worrying update.
The France international was excellent in the Reds’ Premier League-winning season, starting 30 matches in the competition and ridding himself of previous injury problems. Many were impressed with him, including Micah Richards, who said:
“I watched him a lot at Leipzig – there’s so much potential. There’s all these things he’s tremendous at – last ditch tackles he can do that, he can get back in, pace – no problem at all. To go to the next level now if he can just concentrate a little bit more and be a bit more assured on the ball.”
The lure of Madrid is unfortunately great for many players, though, so it is easy to see Konate’s head being turned by a transfer there this summer.
Liverpool must do all they can to tie him down to an extension, matching his demands and ensuring him that he is one of the future leaders of Slot’s defence.
It feels more likely that Konate will stay for now, but the Premier League champions cannot afford to lose him on a free next year.