Ibrahima Konate has made his thoughts clear on Liverpool's transfer targets
Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk look on
Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk are Liverpool's first-choice centre-back pairing(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
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Ibrahima Konate once dismissed comparisons between Liverpool target Dayot Upamecano and Virgil van Dijk. According to German reports, Bayern Munich defender Upamecano, whose contract expires this summer, is 'waiting' for offers from the Reds and Real Madrid.
With contract negotiations stalling, Bayern have given the French centre-back until mid-February to decide on his future, reports Bild. The Spanish giants have also been linked with Konate, whose Liverpool contract runs out at the end of the campaign, with discussions over a new deal at Anfield continuing.
Should those negotiations result in an extension, it's conceivable that he and Upamecano could form the Reds' centre-back partnership for years to come as Van Dijk approaches the twilight of his distinguished career.
Not that Konate would consider writing off his captain just yet. The Frenchman has enormous respect for the 34-year-old, as demonstrated by his response when asked to draw parallels between Van Dijk and Upamecano back in 2023.
"What kind of question is that?" he responded 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."
Dayot Upamecano
Dayot Upamecano continues to be linked with Liverpool(Image: FC Bayern via Getty Images)
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Whether they 'get there' as Liverpool colleagues is yet to be determined. Konate spoke about his contractual circumstances back 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
Konate's own future is up in the air(Image: Getty Images)
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Konate's inconsistent displays during the opening stages of the campaign sparked speculation that the uncertainty surrounding his contract was affecting him, especially after Real Madrid, who have long admired the defender, made it clear to Liverpool that they had no intention of pursuing him.
However, Konate's performances picked up after those early struggles. At present, the 26-year-old's attention is understandably on personal matters following the death of his father. Having been absent for the previous three fixtures, he could return to the side when they face Newcastle United on Saturday.
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