Liverpool are still in talks with Ibrahima Konate about extending the centre-half’s contract, but how much would it cost to replace him?placeholder image
Liverpool are still in talks with Ibrahima Konate about extending the centre-half’s contract, but how much would it cost to replace him? | Getty Images
Liverpool are still in talks with Ibrahima Konate about extending the centre-half’s contract, but how much would it cost to replace him?
Liverpool’s need for defensive reinforcements might have been played down by Arne Slot, however, results and the goals against column suggest otherwise.
Real Madrid have reportedly pulled out of the running for Ibrahima Konate with the France international still in contract negotiations with the Reds in a saga that needs to be settled one way or the other as soon as possible. The 26-year old has been nothing short of a liability in the centre of defence recently causing problems for those around him and the goalkeeper behind him.
Liverpool continue Ibrahima Konate contract talks
If this season has shown anything, it is that even the most proven and risk free of signings might not necessarily hit the ground running or settle immediately into life at one of the world’s biggest football clubs. Milos Kerkez was the best left-back in the Premier League last season which made his £40m transfer fee seem like a bargain. Alexander Isak might not have been a bargain, but he was in the same ballpark as Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland when talking about the best no.9 in Europe.
Konate isn’t the only player who was previously unquestioned to look like a completely different player this season and it can’t be forgotten that he is the one having to contend with a different right-back playing alongside him every week. A solid defence is built on partnerships and Liverpool’s has hardly been the same for two games in a row. When it was, it kept clean sheets against Aston Villa and Real Madrid before Man City showed what they are still capable of.
Liverpool-linked centre-half eyed by Chelsea
One of the players linked with a move to Liverpool is Castello Lukeba, RB Leipzig’s French centre-half who has been attracting the attention of clubs like Chelsea and Man Utd with Bayern Munich also keeping tabs on the 22-year old’s situation. Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, transfer journalist Sacha Tovolieri explained what the powerhouse defender’s transfer fee is and how much it would cost Liverpool to sign him: “The Castello Lukeba saga is already generating buzz in the upcoming summer transfer window.
“While the left-footed defender will have an €80 million (£70m) release clause this summer , it will drop to €65 million (£57m) in 2027. Several financially powerful clubs have already expressed interest. In contact with the player's agent, FC Bayern Munich's director of football, Max Eberl, made it clear that the Frenchman's file could only be activated on the condition of Dayot Upamecano's definitive departure, which is more than ever on the cards.
“According to our sources, Lukeba loves Bayern Munich , and his entourage has already indicated that he would welcome an approach from the Bavarian club. This overture aims to facilitate discussions should Bayern's management accelerate their pursuit of him.”
Lukeba is an excellent prospect, but he is behind Konate in the pecking order for France, as is Upamecano, he would also cost an awful lot more money to be in the squad next season than just giving Liverpool no.5’s a pay rise.
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