Ibrahima Konate might be about to become a free agent this summer. The Frenchman has been at Liverpool for the past five seasons and has enjoyed his fair share of success. With him in the heart of defence, the Reds have won five trophies and reached the final of the Champions League. Now, it looks like his time at Anfield is coming to an end. Could Chelsea be his next destination?
With Xabi Alonso coming in this summer, Chelsea will be looking to add some quality and proven experience. Konate does fit that definition.
Yes, he is not coming off the best season. But at 27 years of age, he is only entering his prime on the pitch. And pretty much every Liverpool player has struggled in this campaign. So, it would be unfair to point him out specifically.
According to L’Equipe, Konate’s contract extension at Liverpool, which was very close to being finalised last month, is now in serious doubt. Chelsea intend to try their luck.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich could affect Chelsea’s chances of signing Konate
Of course, Chelsea are not the only club willing to make a move for someone of Konate’s reputation, now that he looks set to become a free agent. The same report from the French outlet claims that Real Madrid have always maintained contact. Bayern Munich have as well.
So, that is some top-level competition. But then, it also shows how highly Konate is regarded in footballing circles. It should convince Chelsea further that making a move for him would be the right decision.
Players like Konate rarely become available as free agents. They have done so more often in recent times though as the football transfer market has undergone a transformation.
Top clubs are increasingly depending on signing top players as free agents. Chelsea probably have not employed that strategy as often as they should have in recent years. Will that change this summer?
Konate could be a great compliment to Colwill at Chelsea
Chelsea’s aim this summer might be to find a solid partner for Levi Colwill in the heart of defence. While the Englishman has proven himself to be a starter, the same cannot be said about the other centre-backs at the club right now.
Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi are expected to leave this summer. There are question marks over the future of Wesley Fofana and Josh Acheampong as well.
Jorrel Hato has been excellent lately but he might not be suited to playing centre-back in the Premier League in a traditional four-man backline. Of course, if Alonso opts to go for his three-man defence, the discussion will be very different.
Anyways, someone like Konate would bring experience and a winning mentality to the club. That is something they have been missing for years, and might be even more important than just raw ability.