After spending a fortune to bolster their attacking options, Liverpool have now shifted their focus to strengthening the back line with a new season on the horizon.
According to Marca, the Reds are set to intensify efforts to keep Ibrahima Konate at Anfield for the foreseeable future by offering him fresh contract terms.
The defender has already turned down one offer from Liverpool, but they’re not throwing in the towel and have made it clear they want him to sign a new deal.
Konate was reportedly disappointed with the terms of Liverpool’s initial offer.
It was structured around meeting performance targets, but Konate’s representatives are pushing for a higher basic wage more than his current £70,000 per week contract.
Liverpool are now set to reopen talks, but it remains to be seen if their new offer will be enough to convince Konate to pledge his long-term future to the Reds.
However, if he still isn’t satisfied with the terms, Liverpool will consider placing him on the transfer list and entertaining offers from interested clubs.
Konate is heading into the final year of his contract. If there’s no agreement, they’d rather cash in on the Frenchman this summer than risk losing him on a free transfer next year.
The uncertainty around Konate’s future has sparked interest from clubs across Europe, but it has also pushed the club hierarchy to act fast.
The Reds do not want a repeat of the Trent Alexander-Arnold situation, when the England international left for Real Madrid without bringing in a significant fee.
Interestingly, Madrid are also among clubs keeping a close eye on Konate’s situation at Anfield.
Liverpool’s urgency is heightened by speculation that Madrid have already made contact with Konate’s representatives and could be lining him up as a future signing.
Liverpool’s directors are well aware of the risks, especially with Virgil van Dijk and Konate currently the only fully fit senior centre-backs available to Arne Slot.
The Reds are on the market for reinforcements and are working on a stunning double deal for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Parma’s Giovanni Leoni.