Liverpool’s centre-back situation is already quite bleak, but Ibrahima Konate complications could make it a whole lot worse.
The Frenchman’s contract runs out at the end of the season, and progress has well and truly stalled on a new deal.
Konate’s links to Madrid have faded, possibly due to his less-than-stellar performances for the Reds this season. Despite that, negotiations are proving difficult, with the two parties far apart in terms of financial details.
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It has taken Liverpool’s sporting director by surprise.
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Liverpool insiders on Richard Hughes’ reaction to Ibou Konate talks
Liverpool already need one new centre-back at a minimum. That need will grow substantially should they fail to keep Konate at Anfield.
Not only would they have to splash more cash, but they would be losing a £50 million-rated star for nothing.
Richard Hughes was not expecting to be faced with this issue, as TEAMtalk have revealed.
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They write: “Whilst Konate isn’t quite asking for the £300,000-a-week that skipper Virgil van Dijk was given last summer, as has been stated in some places, we are told that his demands are too high for Liverpool to agree to at this point.
“Liverpool, though, believe they have put a very good offer in front of the player, on par with some of Europe’s top central defenders. However, we can confirm that the 26-year-old has rebuffed those fresh advances to commit in the last month.”
Arne Slot and Richard Hughes, sporting director of Liverpool, during their first press conference
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Similar to the three contract situations from last season, Liverpool fans will be wondering how it has gotten to this point. Their sources suggest that is exactly how Hughes is feeling as well.
The report continues: “A source with knowledge of the situation spoke to TEAMtalk and revealed: ‘In all honesty, Liverpool and Richard Hughes thought this would be done by now.’
“‘Talks went quite well over the international breaks in October and November, but since December and now, things have again stalled.'”
He may not be having the best of campaigns, but Konate’s Liverpool future should have been secured months ago. Now, the threat of having to approach the summer market with a desperation for multiple elite centre-halves is becoming the likely reality.
Liverpool may have to cave to Ibrahima Konate’s demands
As it stands, Liverpool are confident that Konate is not progressing in talks with another club.
That could change at any moment, though.
It’s a tricky one, because Konate doesn’t deserve to be paid as much as Van Dijk, but there will be a top European club willing to go over Liverpool’s valuation.
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Micky van de Ven pictured during Tottenham Hotspurs' Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park (Credit: Getty Images/Sebastian Frej).
Alessandro Bastoni warms up ahead of the Serie A match between Inter Milan and Torino at San Siro Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Marco Luzzani).
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PSG, Bayern Munich and Madrid have all been credited with interest, and they are all financial powerhouses who can offer the best wages.
Liverpool have to analyse this carefully. It might be worth edging closer to Konate’s desired wage even if it’s deemed more than he’s worth. If he leaves, it will cost tens of millions to replace him anyway.
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