“Liverpool stands on the brink of losing another star to Real Madrid—unless they deliver the one thing he demands.”
“Liverpool faces the looming threat of losing another star to Real Madrid—unless they offer him one crucial thing.”
Real Madrid is reportedly positioned to swoop if Liverpool fails to secure a new contract with one of their key players.
This scenario feels all too familiar to Liverpool fans, following the drawn-out and contentious saga surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold. Now, a transfer insider hints that the club may face a similar challenge within the next year.
Real Madrid Monitoring Konate as Contract Talks Stall
As reported by Graeme Bailey of TBR Football, Liverpool’s negotiations with Ibrahima Konate have made little progress since January. The French defender, with just over a year remaining on his current deal, is reportedly seeking a significant salary increase to rank among the top earners in Arne Slot’s squad.
Konate’s situation has drawn interest from several elite clubs. Real Madrid is said to be leading the pack, with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain also keenly observing developments. Meanwhile, Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester City are monitoring the center-back’s status closely, ready to act if talks at Anfield falter.
Konate’s Wage Demands Are Justified
With Trent Alexander-Arnold reportedly set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, Liverpool fans would be deeply frustrated if Ibrahima Konate followed the same path next summer, especially if a new contract isn’t secured in time.
While players demanding higher wages can sometimes be seen as greedy, Konate’s case appears reasonable within the context of Liverpool’s current wage structure. Currently earning £70,000 per week, per Capology, he makes less than Kostas Tsimikas and Joe Gomez—neither of whom have been regular starters this season—and less than half of Federico Chiesa’s salary, despite Chiesa only making five substitute appearances in the league this term.
Although the exact figure Konate is requesting remains unclear, a salary doubling his current pay would align him with the club’s top earners. Even after Alexander-Arnold’s departure, Liverpool will still have seven players earning £150,000 or more per week, according to Capology.
The French center-back has been a key player in Liverpool’s success this season, starting 28 league matches—outperformed by only four teammates, as per WhoScored. At 25, Konate is entering his peak years, making it crucial for Liverpool to ensure his salary reflects his value to the squad.
Unless his demands are truly excessive, it would be wise for FSG to meet them to keep Konate happy and prevent Real Madrid—or any other suitor—from capitalizing on the situation. The last thing Liverpool needs is a repeat of the Alexander-Arnold saga.