Ibrahima Konate has not had many better days for Liverpool than his commanding display against Newcastle United on Saturday.
The Frenchman has put in some colossal performances in the past, but they have become something of a distant memory during what has been a difficult season for him.
Saturday was a reminder that, when on form, Konate is one of the best centre-backs in Europe.
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Hugo Ekitike scores past Nick Pope during Liverpool's Premier League match against Newcastle United at Anfield.
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Sadly, it has felt like the writing has been on the wall in terms of his Liverpool career for some time now. Out of contract in the summer, the 26-year-old appears to be marching towards a free transfer exit.
There has been no news over a contract extension for quite some time, leaving many supporters to believe that Konate’s situation is beyond saving. But after he stood up to be counted in what has been an incredibly tough time for him on a personal level, perhaps there is a chance the defender could still stay.
Liverpool will not find better than Ibrahima Konate
Konate’s case is a good reminder that we do not always know the full picture in terms of what is going on inside a player’s head. He has been poor this season, but the news of his father passing away in January gave that some possible context.
Returning to help his teammates earlier than originally scheduled, Konate showed just how much he is willing to put on the line for Liverpool and outlined that maybe there is a way back here.
Ibrahima Konate challenges Lewis Hall for the ball during Liverpool's Premier League match against Newcastle United at Anfield.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
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With mere months to go until he is a free agent, some will think the situation hopeless. But while the circumstances were different, it should be remembered that both Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah waited until April to sign fresh terms last year.
As Liverpool search desperately for an experienced replacement, they should realise that they will not sign a player who can be better than – or even as good as – Konate straight away.
Rumours of a potential next destination for the France international are completely silent, which may also be a good sign towards him staying at Liverpool. Anfield is the best place for him, and after being reminded of just how loved he is at the club on Saturday, hopefully a change in direction is forthcoming.
Where does Ibrahima Konate rank in Liverpool’s greatest Premier League centre-backs?
He was COLOSSAL vs Newcastle
Ibrahima Konate celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Newcastle in the Premier League at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC
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Jeremy Jacquet talks could be good news for Konate
If Konate does depart for nothing this summer, Liverpool will absolutely need to bring in a player who can immediately go into their starting back four.
That would likely mean a defender in the 24-27 age bracket and not a youngster such as Giovanni Leoni or Jeremy Jacquet.
Liverpool are in talks over a summer move for Jacquet, but even if they do sign the Rennes youngster, he should not be expected to be an immediate starter.
Instead, he and Leoni would provide excellent cover and the potential to grow as a partnership over the next few years. But Liverpool would still need an elder statesman to partner Van Dijk.
There are options in the market, but the fact that Liverpool are looking at Jacquet suggests that he could be their marquee addition, leaving Konate to stay on as Van Dijk’s second-in-command. This is not over yet, and if Konate does sign on, he can go on to become one of Liverpool’s best ever in the years ahead.
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