Ibrahima Konate has been the subject of transfer speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid
Ibrahima Konate
Ibrahima Konate has entered the final year of his contract at Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Speculation over a potential free transfer to Real Madrid for Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate has intensified after language-learning app Duolingo revealed the player is part of their 'Spanish Diamond League'.
This top-tier division within the app allows users to showcase their progress. Many are interpreting Konate's efforts as preparation for a move to Real Madrid, with his contract due to expire in six months. Liverpool fans were similarly displeased when Trent Alexander-Arnold disclosed he had been learning Spanish ahead of his own confirmed free transfer to Los Blancos.
Maintaining a high rank on Duolingo qualifies users for the Diamond Tournament. The top 10 learners in the Diamond League qualify, so perhaps Liverpool supporters can find solace in the fact that Konate hasn't yet reached this level.
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Konate's contract at Anfield expires next summer, and there has been little indication of an extension being signed. However, reports from France suggest Liverpool have put forward another contract offer and negotiations are said to be underway.
Perhaps the Frenchman will use his developing Spanish skills as leverage, given the ongoing rumours linking him with a move to the Bernabeu next summer. Konate is on Real Madrid's shortlist, and their interest is likely to have grown following William Saliba's recent contract renewal at Arsenal.
At the very least, Konate might be able to offer Alexis Mac Allister some conversation in his mother tongue, following the summer departures of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez.
While Konate's Spanish language skills may be on the up, there could be worries about his form with Liverpool. The 26-year-old has had a challenging start to the season, with a concerning performance against Galatasaray and tough matches against Bournemouth and Newcastle.
Reds manager Arne Slot has even felt compelled to comment on his form. "I think he has things he can improve," he stated. "But for him starting this season with a different full-back next to him probably is different as well.
"He and the team had Ryan Gravenberch in front of them for the first time against Newcastle.So I think it's partly also adjustment to each other. And partly, I think the biggest strength of Ibou is of course his defensive quality.
Slot added: "You could already see last season when he and Virgil were playing together, they mainly make sure Virgil doesn't get the ball, so he needs to bring the ball out of the back. That he does sometimes really, really, really good, but his consistency in that part is definitely something he can improve.
"But that will also improve the more we work together. The more he's used to the right full-back next to him, the more he's used to the other players that are in front of him as well."
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