Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has made his feelings clear on Dayot Upamecano and Virgil van Dijk
Dayot Upamecano
Dayot Upamecano continues to be linked with Liverpool(Image: FC Bayern via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Ibrahima Konate once poured cold water on comparisons between Liverpool-linked Dayot Upamecano and Virgil van Dijk. According to reports in Germany, Bayern Munich's Upamecano, who is out on contract in the summer, is 'waiting' for the Reds and Real Madrid.
With contract talks at an impasse, Bayern have given the Frenchman a mid-February deadline to decide his future, reports Bild. The Spanish giants have also been linked to Konate, whose Liverpool deal expires at the end of the season, with talks ongoing over extending his stay at Anfield.
If those talks end with a signature, it's possible he and Upamecano could be the Reds' long-term centre-back pair as Van Dijk heads towards the end of his illustrious career.
Not that Konate would dream of writing off his captain. The Frenchman has huge respect for the 34-year-old leader, underlined by his reaction when asked to compare Van Dijk and Upamecano back in 2023.
FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page
"What kind of question is that?" he replied via TNT Sport. "You can't compare the two. With Upamecano, we are in the same category, even if he is a very high competitor.
"But Van Dijk, I put him on a different planet. We're still a long way from achieving what he did. Although we will get there one day, I have no doubt."
Ibrahima Konate
Ibrahima Konate's own future is up in the air(Image: Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Whether they 'get there' as Liverpool teammates remains to be seen. Konate addressed his contract situation in November, saying: "I've seen a lot of things in the press recently, like Liverpool have made me a new offer.
"I don't know where that's coming from. My agents are continuing discussions with Liverpool. I hope my decision will be made very soon so I can announce it."
Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk look on
Konate has the utmost respect for Virgil van Dijk(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Konate's wayward form in the early months of this season led to suggestions he was affected by the uncertainty over his future, particularly after Real Madrid, long-time admirers of the centre-back, informed Liverpool they were not interested in signing him on a free.
To his credit, Konate's form did improve following those early-season wobbles. For now, the 26-year-old's focus is on matters closer to home following the tragic death of his father. After missing the last three games, he could return to action against Newcastle United on Saturday.
For the latest news and breaking news, visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @LivEchoLFC - the official Liverpool ECHO LFC Twitter account - for all the latest LFC news as it happens in real time.
We're also on Facebook/LiverpoolEchoLFC - your must-see LFC news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
Listen to our podcasts by searching for 'Blood Red' wherever you get your podcasts.
Sign up for one of the Liverpool Echo's free daily and weekly newsletters on Liverpool FC by clicking here.
Content Image
Content Image