‘Al Hilal join PSG in Konate race as Liverpool juggle trio of wanted stars’
Ibrahima Konate has multiple transfers suitors this summer and his situation likely to have major impacts on the futures of two other Liverpool stars.
The French defender is currently under contract until June 2026, having made 132 appearances since arriving four seasons ago, while striking up a powerful partnership with Virgil van Dijk.
With the Reds featuring in the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Champions League, he has remained a regular figure in Arne Slot’s starting lineup, at least when fit enough to feature.
Football Insider understood in March, however, that Liverpool had made no new strides with Konate’s contract situation, with Real Madrid and PSG being alerted to his availability this summer.
Talks are now continuing as the 26-year-old prepares to enter the final 12 months of his deal at Anfield, but Sami Mokbel has indicated Saudi Pro League side are also in the mix, and what this could mean for fellow defensive duo Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez.
Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez’s futures uncertain at Liverpool
Writing on BBC Sport (2 May, 2:37pm), Mokbel discussed Konate’s current contract situation, with the two parties in talks over a new deal, but also raising the point that the Reds could lose him for nothing in the summer of 2026.
He then wrote: “Paris Saint-Germain and Al Hilal are the clubs I’ve heard who have an interest in Konate. What happens with Konate could impact how Liverpool approach the futures of fellow centre backs Jarrell Quansah and Joe Gomez, who have Premier League interest.”
Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool are open to letting Quansah leave amid interest from Newcastle United, while Gomez made just six Premier League starts this season.
Arne Slot facing a Liverpool rebuild despite a successful first season
Football Insider verdict
The futures of Konate, Quansah, and Gomez are unlikely to be the only concerns for Slot over the coming weeks, with any of their exits set to leave a hole in the current squad, even if they do not feature heavily.
At 22 years of age, Quansah is clearly a very talented defender, but with just four Premier League starts to his name this season, it is becoming increasingly difficult for him to develop without regular minutes.
Jeremie Frimpong has already signed as the Reds’ first piece of incoming business this summer, though Ian Darke told Liverpool News 247 (2 June) that the 24-year-old cannot expect to walk into the starting XI.
If any of the aforementioned defenders are to leave, though, Football Insider understands that Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi rejected Tottenham in favour of a move to Liverpool.
The 24-year-old would make an incredible partner to Van Dijk, and with half the Premier League after his signature, it would be a real statement from Slot’s side after winning the title in his first season.