Ibrahima Konate has undoubtedly been one of Liverpool’s most important players over the last season or so.
The Frenchman has really come into his own as he has managed to form an impressive partnership alongside Virgil van Dijk over the last season or so, with his performances even being described as “authoritative.”
Konate is now in the final year of his contract with Liverpool, and if a renewal isn’t agreed upon before the January transfer window comes around, it could be the end of the Frenchman’s Anfield stint.
Ibrahima Konate of France on the ball during the UEFA Nations League semi-final against Spain.
Photo by ANP via Getty Images
There have been rumours of Konate wanting to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid for the last year or so, and now, it feels like the centre-back has made a decision.
Ibrahima Konate isn’t considering extending his contract with Liverpool
That’s because, as per a report from Spanish outlet AS, it seems like Konate ‘is not considering’ renewing his Liverpool contract.
Konate’s signature is now a ‘priority’ for Real Madrid because a move for the Frenchman would be ‘zero cost.’
This leaves Liverpool in a bit of a pickle as, at the moment, they only have three senior centre-backs among their ranks.
And when the injury history of Joe Gomez is taken into account, it’s hard to see how he can be relied upon.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
AS also add that Liverpool have a ‘problem’ with Konate as he’s only thinking about a move to Xabi Alonso’s side, without even thinking about the potential of staying in L4.
Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso smiles during his team's Bundesliga match against Borussia Dortmund
Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images
Liverpool must sign a centre-back this summer if Ibrahima Konate is going to leave at the end of the season
Liverpool have already been linked with a couple of potential centre-back targets this season.
Giovanni Leoni and Marc Guehi have been the two most recent names to be linked with an Anfield switch, with the latter of the two also entering the final year of his deal with Crystal Palace.
The Eagles want around £40million for the Englishman, which, considering the fact he’s arguably one of England’s best centre-backs, seems like a fair deal.
But, seeing as though he only has a year left on his contract, it does mean that the Reds could sign him for free if they hold off for another season.
This is why Arne Slot wants to pay a cut-rate fee for the Englishman.
Of course, only time will tell what the future has in store, but for now, it’s anyone’s guess what could happen.