Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool supporters have grown familiar with contract sagas in recent years, having watched the dramas surrounding Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk unfold last season before both ultimately committed their futures to Anfield. Now, as spring approaches and the title race intensifies, the Reds find themselves navigating another potentially costly contract standoff—this time with French international defender Ibrahima Konate, whose current deal expires in just months.
Contract negotiations between Liverpool and Konate’s representatives have dragged on for over a year, with little tangible progress to show for it.
The situation has become particularly pressing since January 1st, when Konate became legally eligible to negotiate pre-contract agreements with overseas clubs under the Bosman ruling.
And of course, the Jeremy Jacquet signing has also raised eyebrows among the fanbase, with the view being that he could be a potential replacement for Konate in the short-term.
Now Fabrizio Romano has provided more information on the Jacquet transfer, and has strongly hinted that the 20-year-old will be a starter next season – leading natural observations to be that the club has accepted Konate’s exit:
“Jeremy Jacquet accepted the exactly same terms from Liverpool that was offered by Chelsea,” the Italian transfer guru said
“Liverpool didn’t offer extra money. So why going to Liverpool and not going to Chelsea?”
“Liverpool presented their long term project by telling the player that he was going to be a crucial player immediately, to be a big part of the Liverpool restyling in the defence.”
He added that the Rennes defender is not going to be a “squad player” next term:
“He’s going to be an important member of the squad, he’s not going to be a squad player. Liverpool believe he is going to be a really important player in terms of minutes, place for next season and the player was really tempted by that.”
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