Liverpool Set To Announce Konaté Contract Extension – Opinion | OneFootball

‘Crucial’ Liverpool Star Must Sign New Contract

It has been a scintillating start to the season for Arne Slot’s Liverpool. Since losing on penalties to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield, Liverpool have won seven matches in a row, and one player who has been crucial is Ibrahima Konaté.

The Frenchman delivered an inspired display in last weekend’s Merseyside Derby, nullifying an Everton side that had scored 2+ goals in three of their previous four. Whilst Liverpool were able to mount an early two-goal lead, Idrissa Gana Gueye’s goal ensured a nervy final half-hour for the Reds. It was a nervy test, but Liverpool prevailed 2-1 at Anfield, and arguably the most dominant of Liverpool’s back four was Konaté, who made 8 clearances, won 8 out of 9 aerial duels and 2 out of 4 ground duels, and who blocked a shot and registered two tackles.

Konaté didn’t just hold his own in physical duels alongside Virgil van Dijk; he also showcased his quality in possession. Similar to other upper-echelon center backs like Dean Huijsen, Jeyhan Bhindi and Marquinhos, Konaté thrives at driving the ball forward and keeping it glued to his feet amid pressure. He completed 42 out of 50 passes vs. Everton, 1 out of 2 long balls, and he also had a shot blocked. Moreover, he was only dribbled past once.

It begs the question: just why haven’t Liverpool renewed his contract yet?

Real Madrid’s Interest

Since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2021, Konaté has established himself as one of the premier center backs in the game, helping Liverpool reach the Champions League Final and win two EFL Cup titles, one FA Cup, and one Premier League title. And at 26 years of age, he’s still well away from reaching his prime. Normally, this would be a no-brainer, but these are not normal circumstances. Real Madrid appear to have put out feelers for the Frenchman with the opportunity to replace Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba on the table. With his contract set to expire on June 30, Liverpool’s hands are tied in their ability to fend off Madrid’s charm offensive.

“This is what I don’t understand about the football business,” stated ex-Liverpool defender Chris Mavinga in an EPL Index exclusive. “When I see the numbers of his contract, he deserves more. I don’t know what they see…we’re not at the club, we cannot see how he’s in the locker room, so, if the club thinks he does not deserve a new contract, it’s maybe they have some reason.”

“If you see the player from your TV, you think Konaté is unbelievable, and you don’t understand why they don’t sign him to a new contract,  but maybe the club sees him take an injection to deal with the pain,” stated Mavinga. Similarly to Konaté, Mavinga was born and raised in France to African parents, honing his skills in France before playing for Liverpool’s reserves from 2006 to 2008.

“Maybe the club said, oh, you can maybe play 35 games, but one year he’s gonna be out for 6-8 months, and maybe they anticipate this. Sometimes they have a reason to not want to give him a new contract, maybe it’s the way he’s acting in the locker room, or maybe they have a 15-year-old center back, he’s in the academy who’s gonna do better, I don’t know. But I’m just surprised as everybody who watch Liverpool, Konaté is one of the best, he did amazing last season. He’s so good.”

Can Liverpool extend Konaté’s deal and avoid losing one of their prime assets on a free transfer? Or will Konaté become the latest Liverpool defender after Trent Alexander-Arnold to trade Liverpool for Real for pennies on the dollar? Stay tuned for what promises to be a marathon contract saga.