Latest news with #Konaté
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Report: Liverpool submits improved contract offer to fend off Madrid interest
Liverpool Moves to Secure Konaté as Madrid Lurks When Real Madrid shows interest in a player, few clubs can afford complacency. That reality is starting to hit home at Liverpool, who are now actively trying to avoid becoming the latest high-profile victim of the Spanish giant's free-transfer strategy. According to Foot Mercato, the Reds have made an improved contract offer to Ibrahima Konaté, whose current deal expires in 2026. Though that date might seem a safe distance away, Liverpool's urgency is understandable. Konaté, 26, has not responded to earlier extension approaches, and 'Real Madrid is a destination that inspires him.' This isn't unfamiliar ground for Madrid. Their ability to sign marquee names once contracts tick into their final 12 months is well-documented. From Kylian Mbappé to Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Bernabéu's recruitment machine operates with patience and precision. For Liverpool, the memories of losing a player like Alexander-Arnold on a free still linger. Konaté could be next. Contract Clarity for Arne Slot Era Since Arne Slot's appointment, the club's recruitment and retention strategy has shifted towards stability and sustainability. That makes Konaté's situation all the more pressing. Not just because of his ability, but because of what he represents. He is the future and present of the backline, he is the perfect partner for Van Dijk and could be a leader in the backline for years to come. Photo IMAGO Konaté's performances when fit have often set the standard. His ability to recover ground, engage in one-on-one duels and play through pressure is tailor-made for the high-octane football Liverpool fans expect. Letting him edge towards free agency would be a failure of foresight. Madrid's Silent Pressure Mounts Madrid's style is subtle but seismic. No aggressive bids, no drawn-out negotiations. Just a long, quiet stare across the continent until the contract clock runs down. Liverpool know the drill. And so, they've responded with what Foot Mercato describes as 'a new extension offer. An upward offer, of course.' It's now up to Konaté to consider the weight of that proposal. A new manager, the possibility of captaining a reshaped backline, and an improved financial package all lie on one side. On the other, the glamour and grandeur of Madrid. Timing Could Be Everything What happens next may not hinge solely on money or minutes. If Konaté is tempted by Madrid, Liverpool's best chance lies in acting decisively before the lure becomes irresistible. This extension offer is not just an attempt to retain a defender. It is an attempt to signal that the era of letting generational talents slip away for free must end here. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis From a Liverpool fan's perspective, this is exactly the kind of proactive approach we want to see from the club. Konaté has quietly become a very reliable centre-back. He's still only 26 and just entering his prime. If we're serious about challenging for trophies under Arne Slot, these are the types of players we build around. It's worrying that he hasn't responded yet. That Madrid interest is always a red flag. They don't chase players for no reason, and with his contract running into its final two years, the timing aligns with their strategy perfectly. Just look at what they did with Trent. But this improved offer is a step in the right direction. It shows we've learned from past mistakes. We can't keep losing world-class talent for nothing. If Konaté is inspired by Madrid, fair enough, but we need to show ambition now. Fans will want this wrapped up quickly. If he signs, brilliant. If he doesn't, we need to be prepared to sell in 2025, not wait until 2026 and risk losing another key player for free. He's too important to be caught in limbo.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Real Madrid Pushing to Sign Liverpool Star in ‘Ruthless' Move
Konaté's Future and Liverpool's New Contract Reality With Real Madrid circling and just a year remaining on his contract, Ibrahima Konaté finds himself at the centre of a growing dilemma — one that perfectly illustrates Liverpool's new, unforgiving approach under Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes. The club's new hierarchy is not interested in sentiment, nor in repeating the Trent Alexander-Arnold situation, where a full season of awkward silence ended with Liverpool's vice-captain walking for free to the Bernabéu. The fluent Spanish that was presented to a new fanbase showed that the former homegrown academy graduate was a long-term Galactico in waiting, therefore, steps are now being taken by the Anfield executives to halt any attempt by the European heavyweights to entice another star from Merseyside. Now, with Luis Díaz and Andy Robertson also potentially departing under similar circumstances where deals are reducing, a hardline policy is emerging: sign or go. Advertisement Madrid's strategy of leveraging their stature to tempt players into running down contracts — as they've done repeatedly with elite names across Europe — is well known. But Liverpool is actively trying to cut that pipeline off. Konaté, a player of elite pedigree when fit, is now the subject of a high-stakes standoff. Extend by the end of July, or be sold. And with clubs like PSG lurking in the background after their humbling 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Club World Cup final, there's a growing sense that the French international could still command a premium fee. Though Ibou is a superb player, you get the feeling that if any recruit of good standing were to replace him, they would immediately see their levels increase when paired with the greatest central defender of all time, Virgil van Dijk. The urgency of reaching a decision is real. And if Konaté is not on board with the club's trajectory—or unwilling to commit — then Liverpool will simply move on. The rebuild under Arne Slot will not be shaped around players who hesitate, and though I believe he will extend his deal, that opinion has no guarantees. A Market Open for Replacements If Liverpool do sanction Konaté's exit this summer, they'll already have mapped out contingencies. PSG would likely be willing to spend £50 million or more, allowing the Reds to reinvest without hesitation. Two primary options are already believed to be under consideration: Crystal Palace's Marc Guéhi and Sporting Lisbon's Ousmane Diomande. Both are high-level defenders with experience in progressive systems and would offer immediate continuity alongside Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk. Advertisement Guéhi, in particular, offers Premier League familiarity and has shown leadership qualities with both Palace and England. Diomande, meanwhile, is more raw but offers explosive upside and long-term resale value — something Edwards and Hughes never overlook. Either option could be signed for a fee close to what PSG might offer for Konaté, making this a relatively clean transition if a deal is executed swiftly. The potential exit of Andy Robertson, now 31 with a year left on his deal, only adds to the sense of a full defensive evolution. While Robbo's status as a club legend is unquestionable, the club's new structure isn't waiting for players to decline or stall on expensive contracts. If that contract's running out, decisions will be made. That's the directive now. Loyalty lives in the stands, not on the wage bill of a new regime. A Younger Solution and Structural Thinking Beyond a senior replacement, Liverpool's leadership may also seek to add a younger centre-back who can be developed under Slot's model — someone who can mirror what Quansah has done over the past year. One name gathering quiet momentum is Giovanni Leoni, the towering teenager from Parma. A left-footed, composed presence with physical dominance and a high ceiling, Leoni fits the bill of the 'next in line' central defender Liverpool can shape and would make the first team group a party of four once again. Advertisement It's this layered approach that has defined the post-Klopp era so far — a combination of short-term coverage with long-term sustainability. If Konaté goes, Liverpool will not panic and will have contingency plans in place. They'll replace him with efficiency and purpose, with a list long since prepared of players that can be attained. And if the Frenchman does choose to stay, it will be because he sees a team capable of competing for every major trophy — not because he was allowed to drift toward a free agency move to Madrid. The message is now abundantly clear: no player is irreplaceable, and no contract will be allowed to dwindle in the shadows. The exits of Díaz and potentially Robertson signal that the days of 'we'll wait and see' are over. Ibrahima Konaté may still have a place in this Liverpool project, but only if he signs up for it — literally and figuratively — before the clock runs out.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Liverpool risk losing key centre-back over contract stand-off
Konaté Contract Stalemate Raises Big Questions for Liverpool Ibrahima Konaté's Liverpool Future in Doubt Liverpool fans woke up to troubling headlines, as The Guardian reported that Ibrahima Konaté is 'disappointed with Liverpool contract offers as talks stall.' On the latest episode of The Daily Red Podcast by Anfield Index, Guy Drinkel delivered a detailed and impassioned analysis of the situation. Konaté, affectionately referred to as 'Ibu' by fans, is entering the final year of his current deal, and negotiations to extend his stay appear far from resolved. Drinkel didn't hold back. 'We just have to get it done,' he insisted. 'People have fitness concerns, but you do have to roll the dice with players who are world class.' He acknowledged those concerns but pointed to the French defender's undeniable quality when fit. 'We saw the first half of last season, he was just as good as Van Dijk when fully fit and in the groove.' Pay Konaté What He's Worth Money is at the heart of the matter. Rumours suggest Konaté wants £200,000 per week, roughly what Virgil van Dijk was on before his latest renewal. 'If we've got 26-year-old Ibu and we contract him for another five years and he goes on to 31… 200 grand a week is nothing,' said Drinkel. 'Especially with the growing wages, the Saudi influence, the Real Madrid power plays.' Photo: IMAGO Advertisement He questioned the club's hesitation, particularly given the precedent of paying Thiago Alcântara a high wage package upon arrival. 'If he's anywhere like 250 [thousand] and below… just get it done,' Drinkel urged. 'I know we're not businessmen, but as a fan, like I don't care if we're saving an extra 20 grand a week. Just get Ibu paid.' Replacement Talk Sparks Anxiety While links to Crystal Palace's Marc Guéhi offer an exciting alternative, they also signal potential unease about Konaté's future. 'Is Guéhi more the Quansah replacement or is he seen as the Ibu replacement?' Drinkel asked. 'It's a scary thought.' Photo: IMAGO Advertisement He did express admiration for Guéhi, calling him 'the best English centre-back' and noting his prime age at 24. But the idea of having to replace Konaté due to avoidable contractual failings clearly rankled. 'It would be so disappointing… if Ibu is literally wanting to stay or is willing to stay… and we're just not paying him enough, that's more of an annoying thing than Trent,' he said, referencing the long-running saga surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold's Real Madrid ambitions. Konaté Belongs at the Heart of Liverpool's Defence The depth of Drinkel's belief in Konaté was impossible to ignore. 'For me personally, I think Ibu is one of the top five centre-backs in the world off the top of my head,' he said. 'In the Premier League, I wouldn't trade him for anyone. Not a single soul.' Photo: IMAGO He even went further, painting a vision of Liverpool's future defence with Konaté at its core: 'If we sign Guéhi … and keep Ibu… we can keep [those] three centre-backs for the rest of Van Dijk's contract.' For Drinkel, that scenario represents ideal succession planning and squad building. Letting Konaté slip through the cracks, in contrast, would be 'really, really annoying.'
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Ousmane Diomande the Right Fit if Liverpool Lose Ibrahima Konaté?
Could Ousmane Diomande Be the Ibou Replacement? Konaté's Contract Delay Sparks Doubts There's a difference between hope and confidence, and right now, Liverpool fans may be stuck somewhere in between when it comes to Ibrahima Konaté's long-term future. The French centre-back has just one year left on his deal, and although there's optimism from some corners that he will sign a new contract, the longer the delay continues, the louder the speculation gets. This week's links to Real Madrid haven't helped, and the fear is that Los Blancos—fresh from stealing Trent Alexander-Arnold for pennies—may look to run the same playbook again with Ibou. The European heavyweights have form for playing the long game and if the fluency of Trent's Spanish is anything to go by, it would not be uncommon for them on Merseyside. Advertisement At 26, Konaté is entering his peak years as an elite-level specialist. He remains a physically dominant, front-foot defender with the athleticism that made him a pillar of Jurgen Klopp's defensive transition. But his availability has never quite matched his ability, until last season, that is. Regardless of this recent uplift in availability, the past remains, however, his superb past season form stands above all else. For Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, this dwindling contract scenario is exactly the sort of predicament they've pledged to avoid: another premium player holding leverage with a ticking clock on his deal. It's not unreasonable to imagine the club weighing up a sale now—if not to Real Madrid, then to PSG—rather than risk losing an £80 million-valued asset for free in 2026. It's harsh business, but necessary business, especially in a summer where strategic ruthlessness will define Arne Slot's rebuild. Liverpool are not there to be plucked and the entire dressing room needs to understand the importance of loyalty to the club. Diomande Ticks the Right Boxes If Konaté does go, the replacement shortlist will be stacked with names. Christian Romero, Marc Guéhi, and Ousmane Diomande have all been discussed internally, but in Diomande, Liverpool would be signing the closest stylistic match to Ibou—without the long-term injury caveats. At just 21 years old, the Sporting CP centre-back has already made himself indispensable in a title-winning side under a former manager, Rúben Amorim, who carries many of the traits Liverpool craves. Advertisement Powerful in duels, dominant in the air, and calm on the ball, Diomande is built for modern centre-back responsibilities. His ability to push into midfield zones when in possession mirrors the sort of hybrid responsibilities Konaté occasionally took on when stepping into advanced areas. Defensively, he can recover in transition and hold his own in one-on-one situations—a must for a team that wants to play a high line and suffocate opponents. What makes Diomande particularly attractive is his vast ceiling. He's already showing the poise of a seasoned professional but still carries the upside of a player who hasn't yet hit his peak. At £50–60 million, he wouldn't come cheap, but in a summer where Liverpool might recoup a similar or larger fee for Konaté, the swap could be financially and tactically astute. A hard stance will soon avail itself to the group and that moment could be now. A Preemptive Strike, Not a Panic Buy This isn't about abandoning Konaté—it's about preparing for the worst while building for the future. Under Klopp, Liverpool became infamous for letting contracts run down and waving goodbye to value and vital funds required to regenerate. Under Edwards and Hughes, those days appear numbered and this early summer shows a true want to invest. If Konaté doesn't want to sign a new deal, the club won't be strung along and he will be replaced. And if Madrid is lurking, there's no room for sentiment or second chances as Liverpool strive to become Europe's premier destination. Advertisement In that context, Diomande isn't just a fallback or panic alternative. He's a preemptive strike—a player who can grow under the tutelage of Virgil van Dijk. He's also less likely to arrive with injury baggage, which could give Liverpool more stability in a position that's often felt like a game of fitness roulette. If rumours are to become reality, then there is of course the chance that Marc Guéhi is poised to replace the outgoing Quansah, which would immediately upgrade the group. With so many moving parts in Liverpool's summer—new fullbacks arriving, Wirtz's arrival, potential changes in midfield and attack—the backline can't afford to be the unresolved zone again. Diomande represents a proactive choice, a player who might even exceed Konaté in availability, consistency, and long-term value. If Ibou signs, great. But if he doesn't, Liverpool must be ready—and Diomande may well be the answer already standing in plain sight.
Irish Examiner
23-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Ibrahima Konaté disappointed with Liverpool contract offer as talks stall
Ibrahima Konaté is stalling on signing a new deal at Liverpool, raising fears at the club that another key player could run down his contract after this summer's departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The French defender enters the final year of his deal next month and is understood to have rejected Liverpool's initial offer of an extension. Konaté's contract talks were delayed by Liverpool's focus on negotiating with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk last season, with both signing new two-year deals in April before re-signing the Dutchman's defensive partner became the club's priority. The 26-year-old is understood to be disappointed by the structure of Liverpool's offer, with his representatives believed to be pushing for a higher basic wage after the offer was heavily based on meeting certain performance targets. Failure to agree a new contract with Konaté before the end of the summer would leave Liverpool with a dilemma given the furore over Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid. Although Liverpool eventually banked £10m for Alexander-Arnold because of Madrid's determination to sign him in time to play at the Club World Cup that fee is a fraction of his value. Andy Robertson is also about to enter the final 12 months of his contract, with Liverpool willing to sell him to Atlético Madrid if the left-back wants to leave. The goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher joined Brentford in an £18m deal this month with one year left on his contract. Liverpool plan to revive discussions with Konaté later in the summer but are adamant they will not be forced into overpaying. After a busy start to the transfer window during which Liverpool have done deals worth a combined £145.5m for Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, Arne Slot's central defensive options are the one remaining area of uncertainty. Jarell Quansah is on the verge of completing a £35m move to Bayer Leverkusen, and Liverpool are monitoring Marc Guéhi's situation at Crystal Palace, with Newcastle and Tottenham also interested in the England international. As the Guardian reported, the 24-year-old has made clear he will not sign a new contract at Selhurst Park, and with 12 months left he is eager to secure a move to a club that can offer guaranteed playing time before next summer's World Cup. Guardian
