Ibrahima Konate’s contract saga has been dragging on for far too long now.
The Reds have had a terrible start to the season that has seen almost every player questioned to some degree, but it is Konate who is under the spotlight the most.
The defence has been far too leaky and let in 20 league goals already, with the Frenchman a big reason for this as he keeps making error after error.
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Many Liverpool fans are quick to point the finger specifically at him too because of his reluctance to sign a new contract, with it looking more likely by the week that he will leave on a free transfer.
Or at least this was the case, as now, it looks like the Reds have finally lost patience with him as new plans start to emerge.
Ibrahima Konate reacts during Liverpool's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
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Liverpool have given Ibrahima Konate an ultimatum
On his day, Konate is one of the best defenders in the league, but so far this season, he does not look fully with it.
His contract situation is likely one of the reasons for this and it will, of course, be playing on his mind, but it is starting to cost his team week in, week out.
Fans are starting to lose patience with him and the club now appear to be growing frustrated as well, with journalist Christian Falk revealing that Liverpool have given the defender an ultimatum, as per the Bayern Insider.
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He states that Liverpool have told Konate that they are willing to sell him if he is not willing to sign a new contract, so he will have to decide very soon.
The January transfer window opens in just over a month’s time so he does not have long, but given that he has a very long time to think about it already, then a verdict should be reached by then.
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Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool lines up before the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium
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Konate himself admitted that he wanted his future sorted soon as well so at least everyone is on the same wavelength, but it is still up in the air as to which way he will go.
Liverpool may find it hard to sell Ibrahima Konate in January
Should Konate choose not to sign a new deal, then Liverpool will look to sell him, but that will be harder than they might think.
As per Falk, Bayern will not make any other signings in January, so that rules out one possible destination, with this only really leaving PSG and Real Madrid.
Going back to France seems like the most plausible option mid-season as PSG would likely be willing to pay a little bit of money to get him ahead of any competition.
However, Madrid always seemed to be his preferred destination and it is unclear whether they would make an early move, suggesting he will just wait to go on a free in the summer.
This would also allow him to get a much bigger wage as there will be no transfer fee, showing just how hard it might be to get him out if he does not sign.