Liverpool may nonetheless safe Ibou Konate’s long-term future at Anfield, however talks are at the moment “stalled” and no breakthrough is on the horizon, in keeping with journalist David Lynch.
With issues mounting over the 26-year-old’s contract scenario, Lynch has shared perception from these near our No.5 — and it’s not all unfavourable.
“Actual Madrid are clearly – there’s no query about that,” Lynch mentioned, talking through Sports activities Mole.
“However talking to individuals near Konate, the sensation stays that his precedence continues to be to resume with Liverpool.”
Konate’s precedence is to signal a brand new contract with Liverpool
(Photograph by Carl Recine/Getty Pictures)
This comes amid fears we may very well be set for an additional drawn-out departure saga just like the one which noticed Trent Alexander-Arnold be part of Madrid for £10m.
These fears have solely grown following claims from Foot Mercato that Konate desires a change of surroundings and after experiences he’s requested for a 40% wage rise and already knowledgeable the membership of his need to maneuver on in 2026.
Nonetheless, Lynch is adamant the centre-back hasn’t made up his thoughts.
“There have been talks, however they’ve stalled and aren’t actually progressing in the meanwhile, which is unlucky,” he defined.
“That mentioned, I don’t get the sense that it’s reached some extent of no return.”
The French worldwide was a cornerstone of our Premier League title-winning facet final season, beginning alongside Virgil van Dijk and establishing himself as top-of-the-line defenders in Europe.
Letting him stroll without cost — particularly after the Trent state of affairs — could be disastrous.
Lynch suggests Liverpool should put a stronger contract on the desk quickly, however there’s no must panic but.
“Liverpool might want to current a contract provide that’s engaging to him – and as of now, that hasn’t occurred,” he mentioned. “So we’re in a little bit of a holding sample… there’s nonetheless a protracted solution to go.”
There’s no Ibou Konate panic from Liverpool but
(Photograph by Carl Recine/Getty Pictures)
If no progress is made earlier than subsequent summer time, the temptation to money in may rise — particularly with Actual Madrid, PSG and Barcelona lurking.
“In the event you’re already promoting and bringing in various gamers, there’s no assure it should all click on,” he famous.
“Liverpool have already modified each full-backs – you’d reasonably not be compelled into switching a centre-back as effectively.”
That logic might assist clarify rising curiosity in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, who may grow to be an answer if the membership wants to interchange the previous RB Leipzig man subsequent 12 months.
For now, Liverpool followers will hope Konate returns to coaching centered {and professional} — avoiding the stress that surrounded Trent’s remaining season.
“Hopefully, Konate received’t let it get to that stage… even when issues don’t finish with a brand new deal,” Lynch concluded.
You possibly can watch Lynch’s feedback on Konate through Sports activities Mole on YouTube:
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