Trent Alexander-Arnold has sent a message to Ibrahima Konate amidst the swirling rumors about the French defender's future at Anfield. Konate, a key figure in Liverpool's defence and their Premier League success last term, is entering the final year of his contract, mirroring the situation that Alexander-Arnold faced previously with the risk of departing for nothing.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly eyeing the 26-year-old, reminiscent of Real's coup in snapping up England's Alexander-Arnold for a modest $13.6 million (£10 million) to bolster its Club World Cup squad.
Konate took to Instagram to share snaps from his off-season break after an impressive campaign, drawing attention from fans and fellow players. Among the interactions was a comment from Liverpool legend Alexander-Arnold, who simply posted: "Weshhhh," on Konate's update.
As Jarell Quansah looks set to make a move to Bayer Leverkusen post his stint with England Under-21s at the Euros, Liverpool's gaze has turned towards Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi, who, like Konate, could be available on a free next summer.
Oliver Glasner's team may be tempted to offload their star defender to avoid him departing on a free transfer at the end of next season, with Liverpool being strong contenders to snag the player.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are mentioned as possible destinations, as speculation over Konate's future looms larger.
However, Konate himself has been notably forthright when addressing these rumours, particularly after their league victory. After clinching the title, the French defender dismissed 'fake' stories.
"You know, I just want to say one thing; Everything you saw on social media is completely fake," stated Konate. "I didn't even ask for something from the club.
"They made me an offer and I replied to them with something, that's it. The rest [of the speculation] that I want to wait until the end.
Trent Alexander-Arnold commented on Ibrahima Konate's Instagram.
Trent Alexander-Arnold commented on Ibrahima Konate's Instagram. (Image: ibrahimakonate/Instagram)
"I want this, all of it is completely fake. And even the big journalists said in November I'm very close to signing the deal, I was like; 'Ah, they have more information than me?'
"Because it was not true, at that moment, and that is why I was a little bit mad because it was not true at this moment. I knew at one moment people would think I didn't want to sign the contract, but I was never close to signing it. We will see what will happen.
"First thing, I'm very happy because we have won the Premier League trophy and we lifted it. We have to enjoy that, have a rest and hopefully next season will be better than this.
"I didn't expect the [contract] question this way! But you are smart, you're smart. To be fair, to win a trophy, even when I won my first trophy with Liverpool, the FA Cup, was just amazing.
"And bow, to win the Premier League, I know I have a lot of objectives left with this club; to become a leader, to win everything. I'm very happy here to be fair, you know.
"But I know where you want to go with this question and this is another conversation with the club and my agent, we will see what will happen in the next few weeks or I don't know when - but we will see, let me say that.
"Progressing? Not really, but my agent met the club last week but I don't know what will happen. I can't say what my agent said to me but yeah, we will see what will happen."