Ibrahima Konate has come under constant scrutiny this season after showcasing an alarming decline with Liverpool.
The centre-back was one of the Reds’ most consistent performers on the way to winning last season’s Premier League title, but looks a completely different player this term.
Konate’s drop in standard has come at a time when the Frenchman’s Liverpool contract is running into its final few months. There is a feeling among supporters that his heart is simply no longer in the club.
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Liverpool can spend £100m in January if FSG are willing, who do you want to see signed? 💰
“Ultimately, if they want to spend £100m, there is nothing
stopping them. Whether they will or not is entirely down to the owners. They
have a £350m revolving credit facility – which you can basically liken to an
overdraft – that they can use if cash flow is tight. And if a blue-chip
centre-back is going to be the difference between qualifying for the Champions
League or not, it makes sense to pay a bit of a January premium and get a deal
done.”
Finance expert Adam Williams speaking to RTK about
Liverpool’s January transfer budget
Liverpool co-owner, John Henry, arrives to watch a team training session at their Melwood Training Ground
Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
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Last week, news emerged that Real Madrid are no longer interested in Konate, leading to plenty of quips that the 26-year-old had played himself out of a move to the Bernabeu.
Konate’s poor form has also changed Liverpool fans’ opinions of him, with many now unbothered if he decides to move on. But in amongst all of that, what of the Reds themselves? As they continue to negotiate with Konate’s camp, have they let his current decline affect their decision making?
Liverpool remain keen to extend Ibrahima Konate’s contract
Although Konate’s form has cost Liverpool more than once already this season, he has continued to be a vital part of Arne Slot’s regular XI.
And according to The Daily Mail, that is exactly how Liverpool continue to see their No. 5 internally.
Ibrahima Konate celebrates after Liverpool's goal against Sunderland in the Premier League at Anfield.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
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The Reds are said to ‘remain committed to renewing Konate’s contract,’ and are confirmed to be in ‘active talks’ with his representatives.
The France international is likened to Slot in that Liverpool will not let a bad period colour their opinion of him, and they are still claimed to be keen on doing a deal if possible.
Despite Real Madrid’s lack of interest, there are said to be other teams interested in Konate, with the defender free to speak to clubs outside of England from January 1st.
Who was your Man of the Match against Sunderland?
Florian Wirtz pictured during Liverpool's Premier League match against Sunderland at Anfield.
Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
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But Liverpool will seemingly try up until the end, with the Reds reportedly noting Konate’s ‘sky-high level’ during last season above his current drop in form.
Liverpool must impose Konate contract deadline
Given how disappointing he has been this season, it is understandable that supporters would not want to see Konate at the club next year.
Interestingly, Liverpool themselves appear to see things differently and are still keen to keep him around.
However, the club should not engage with Konate’s demands no matter what. His form is a worry, and there is a genuine question over whether he has permanently declined.
That will not become clear until later in the campaign or even further on into the defender’s career.
As a result, Liverpool should hand Konate a deadline over his decision. The end of January would probably seem like a good point for that. If the Frenchman has still not made his choice and his form continues to suffer, this should be an easy point for Liverpool to walk away.
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