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Liverpool are at risk of seeing another top defender leave on a free transfer after one of their key men rejected a new contract in favour of a higher salary as Real Madrid circle.
Liverpool face the growing threat of losing Ibrahima Konaté on a free transfer next summer, with the French defender reportedly rejecting the club's initial contract extension offer.
The 26-year-old centre-back is said to be disappointed with the terms tabled by the Anfield hierarchy, with The Guardian reporting that Konaté's camp is pushing for a higher basic wage.
The club’s proposal is believed to have leaned too heavily on performance-based bonuses — a structure the France international is not keen on.
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Konaté played a key role in Liverpool’s recent Premier League title win under new head coach Arne Slot, becoming a mainstay in the defence by starting all but two games he was available for. His performances saw him quickly become a fan favourite and integral to the club's tactical setup.
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However, with just one year left on his current deal, there are mounting concerns that Konaté could let his contract run down — a scenario reminiscent of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s situation before the club managed to negotiate a £10 million transfer fee from Real Madrid.
Konate Could Be Lured by Real Madrid
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Slot’s faith in Konaté was so strong that it limited game time for rising talent Jarell Quansah, who has since agreed to a £35 million move to Bayer Leverkusen in search of regular first-team football.
Real Madrid have shown interest in Konaté, while Atletico Madrid are reportedly eyeing left-back Andy Robertson in what could become a summer of defensive reshuffling at Anfield.
Despite Liverpool's reputation as tough negotiators, the club did break precedent last season by securing new contracts for over-30 stars Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk — a sign Fenway Sports Group may be open to revisiting their wage policy in exceptional cases.
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Talks with Konaté are expected to resume in the coming weeks, though the club is wary of overpaying.
Who are The Options Liverpool Are Exploring?
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In the meantime, Liverpool are exploring other defensive options, including Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, whose contract situation has weakened Palace’s bargaining position. The London club turned down a £65 million offer from Newcastle last summer, but may struggle to command the same fee now.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has also been discussed by Liverpool’s recruitment team, though any move for the England international could prove politically difficult given the intense rivalry between the Merseyside clubs.
Joe Gomez remains at Liverpool and is appreciated by Slot for his leadership qualities, despite injury setbacks. The club is not looking to move him on.
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Alexander-Arnold Gone, Andy Robertson Next? Spanish Giants Make Liverpool Left-Back Top Target
Liverpool fans could see another highly-rated full-back leave the club this summer following reports that a La Liga giant has made Andy Robertson their top summer target.
As the summer progresses, Konaté’s situation will be one of the key contract sagas to watch — with Liverpool keen to keep a vital part of their defence, but only on terms they deem sustainable.
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