Exclusive: Arne Slot ‘doesn’t fancy’ Ibrahima Konate at Liverpool
Liverpool boss Arne Slot is not convinced by Ibrahima Konate amid new uncertainty over the player’s future, sources have told Football Insider.
Slot has worked only briefly with the centre-back, 25, since his return from the summer break, but the early signs have not been positive.
One Liverpool source has told Football Insider that the new manager “doesn’t fancy” the France international.
It is believed this is partly due to analysis of the player’s performances in matches and training, and also his patchy availability record.
Konate made his first appearance under Slot in the 3-0 win against Manchester United in the USA, but was savaged by some fans and labelled a “liability” despite the final scoreline.
His injury record has also raised concerns among the Liverpool hierarchy after he missed eight games through injury last season and another 15 in the 2022-23 season.
Assorted muscle injuries and individual problems during his time at the club have continually raised red flags for the club’s backroom and medical staff.
Arne Slot unconvinced by Ibrahima Konate as Liverpool details emerge
Konate joined the Reds from RB Leipzig in 2021 and has gone on to make 90 appearances for the club across his three seasons on Merseyside.
During that time, he has delivered some outstanding displays and contributed to the club lifting the FA Cup and two League Cups, but injury issues have prevented him from building up momentum as Virgil van Dijk’s first-choice defensive partner.
Both Jarell Quansah and Joel Matip featured prominently in his place last season with the Frenchman playing just 37 of a possible 58 games.
He was regularly left out of the starting XI at the end of last term, following a dreadful display in the 2-0 April defeat at Everton that led to him being substituted after 63 minutes and then failing to start the last four league matches of the campaign despite being available for selection.
Questions have been raised about the defender’s ability on the ball, and Slot has not been convinced he will play a key role in his new system at Anfield.
This comes as Football Insider revealed on 3 August that Liverpool are targeting a new central defender as a priority in the final weeks of the transfer window.
Slot is keen to improve his defensive options, while Van Dijk’s long-term future also remains up in the air.
Marc Guehi emerged as a potential target, but Football Insider revealed that the price tag set by Crystal Palace was too lofty, while Newcastle have now made their move.
In other news, Liverpool could accept a £100million deal for a superstar as new details emerged in the last hours.
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