By Steven Northover
Something of an upheaval appears on the cards for Liverpool's defence, after it has become increasingly likely that Ibrahima Konate will NOT be signing a new contract for the club. Konate, who joined the club from RB Leipzig in 2021, had stated that he felt that an agreement is ‘close’ in April. However, it looks like those comments were wide of the mark.
"My future? To be fair, there are many things people have said but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement. For sure there is a big chance I'm here next season. This is what I always wanted.”
Credits -Sport Bible
For his part, Konate has had something of an indifferent season for a defensive line that has performed far below its usual imperious form - conceding 53 League goals last season. Indeed, there have been a number of occasions - notably in Liverpool's 4-1 loss to PSV in the Champions League places in November - where Konate has been at direct fault for conceded goals.
Moreover, January's acquisition of 20-year-old Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes appears to show that Liverpool have his replacement already in mind. However, Jacquet has also stated that hebl looked forward to playing with his French teammate, stating in an interview with Ouest France that,
“There’s also Ibou Konaté, who can help me settle in. Training with guys like that, it doesn’t get any better than that.”
But with Virgil Van Dijk entering the final year of his contract, and now this news with Konate, or looks increasingly likely that the club see Jeremy Jacquet and soon to be fit again Giovanni Leoni as the future of Liverpool’s central defence.
As for lovely destinations, Real Madrid appeared to be Konate's next club. However, the Spanish giants cooled any interest at the beginning of the year. However, Paris Saint-Germain, who Konate supported as a child and has family still living close to Parc Des Princes are rumoured to be keen on bringing him back to France, whilst Barcelona have also been interested in signing the player.
Whatever happens, as a free agent, Konate will have the pick of possible destinations - and despite having an extremely disappointing season, there will have a multitude of clubs willing to offer him a bumper pay deal to sign for them.
Elsewhere, Liverpool are reported to to be keen on Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van De Ven, as well as returning Jarrell Quansah back to Anfield.
Quansah's deal with current club Bayer Leverkusen has the option for an €80 million buyback clause, which on the face of it seems steep. However, Quansah would also add to the Reds’ ‘homegrown’ quota, after Andrew Robertson left the club at the end of the season.
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