Liverpool weighing up Konate decision amid transfer interest
Konate contract stalemate
Liverpool face a dilemma that they would have preferred to avoid. As reported by Empire of the Kop, negotiations with Ibrahima Konate over a new contract have reached an impasse, with his current deal now into its final year. Real Madrid are monitoring developments closely, and the France international did little to quieten speculation during the international break. He admitted that “France teammate and Los Blancos star Kylian Mbappe has been calling him ‘every two hours’ to try and entice him to the Bernabeu.”
It is a situation that leaves Liverpool considering options they do not want to contemplate.
January exit under discussion
According to Empire of the Kop, the club could “reluctantly consider selling Konate in January so that they don’t run the risk of losing him on a free transfer next summer if a new contract isn’t agreed in the meantime.” While Arne Slot remains determined to keep the defender, the hierarchy are acutely aware that an offer in the region of €50m (£43.4m) could be difficult to turn down.
Real Madrid are not alone in their admiration. Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea are also credited with interest, while Empire of the Kop note that “Los Blancos’ chief scout is preparing to travel to England in an attempt to secure a deal for the 26-year-old.”
Defensive options under pressure
Micah Richards has described Konate as having “all the tools to be a top-class centre-half” and his ability has been underlined by moments of defensive brilliance, including a recent goalline clearance in France’s victory over Ukraine. That quality explains why Slot is unwilling to lose him, particularly after the collapse of Liverpool’s deadline day pursuit of Marc Guehi.
With The Times also reporting that Liverpool are unlikely to reignite their interest in Guehi in January, the loss of Konate mid-season would leave the manager exposed. Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez offer experience, but beyond that, depth would be stretched.
Financial realities shaping decisions
While the sporting case for keeping Konate is obvious, the financial argument cannot be ignored. Liverpool’s owners have consistently demonstrated caution in allowing valuable assets to depart for nothing. If negotiations with the Frenchman remain stalled as the winter window approaches, the pragmatic decision may well be to sanction a sale.
The hope at Anfield is that compromise can be reached in the coming months, avoiding the prospect of losing a cornerstone of the defence at a time when stability is essential.
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Losing a player of Konate’s calibre would be damaging in any circumstances, but to lose him in January feels unthinkable. Arne Slot has built his defensive plans around a settled core, and with the failed pursuit of Marc Guehi still fresh, the thought of being a centre-back down midway through the season is alarming.
There is also frustration at how familiar this scenario feels. Last season saw prolonged uncertainty over Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The club eventually found solutions, but the distractions were obvious. Now it feels as though another saga is unfolding, with Real Madrid circling once again.
The financial logic is clear. Liverpool cannot afford to lose an asset worth around €50m on a free transfer. But supporters would argue that the potential damage to the team’s competitiveness outweighs the short-term gain. A Champions League campaign, a Premier League title push, and the stability of Slot’s first season hinge on having defensive depth.
The fear is that once again the footballing need will be compromised by the financial calculation. Konate may not have the injury record of the past entirely behind him, but when fit he is immense, and his blend of pace, strength and composure is rare. Fans will hope that compromise can be found. Selling him in January would not just weaken the squad, it would feel like a statement that financial caution outweighs ambition.
