Ibrahima Konate ‘will leave Liverpool’ after key update
Ibrahima Konate is still being lined up for a move away from Liverpool despite looking set to miss out on his dream move to Real Madrid.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 26-year-old is still unlikely to commit to a new contract at Liverpool.
Football Insider revealed in October that Liverpool are still in talks with Konate over a new deal, but the lack of progress has led to concerns about his future.
The France international remains a regular starter under Arne Slot, but has been heavily criticised for his performances, throwing his long-term position at Anfield into doubt.
Liverpool remain keen to extend Konate’s contract beyond its current 2026 expiry date, but are beginning to have doubts, and he is still expected to leave the club.
Significant update on Ibrahima Konate leaving Liverpool
Football Insider revealed in October that Konate is edging closer to leaving Liverpool after stalls in their contract talks, with a move now more likely than not.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that he believes Konate “will leave” Liverpool with suitors still there despite Madrid opting out.
“Real Madrid dropping out doesn’t mean he’ll stay at Liverpool,” he told Football Insider.
“From what I’m told, they have concerns about him, and those concerns have only been added to by his disappointing performances so far this season.
“The good side of him is very good, but there is that weakness there where he’s prone to throwing a game away by letting something slip.
“I think Liverpool believe they can upgrade on him, so they’re having second thoughts about whether to extend his deal, although that is still an option.
“Even if Real Madrid aren’t going to sign him, there are still suitors for him, so he will still have the opportunity to leave Liverpool if his contract does run down.
“It didn’t surprise me at all to hear Real Madrid pull out. They’ll have been watching him so far this season and have decided they need somebody more consistent and reliable.
“And in that same vein, I think Liverpool will be prepared to let him go, so there’s every chance he will leave Liverpool even if it isn’t the move we might have expected.”
Liverpool plan to sign Konate replacement in January
Football Insider revealed on 17 November that Liverpool plan to replace Konate in January and have already begun assessing a number of potential options.
The centre-back’s contract at Anfield is set to expire at the end of the season, with interest from the likes of Bayern Munich and PSG leading to speculation.
Football Insider revealed on 26 October that Konate has turned down Liverpool’s contract offer and is now likely to leave the club next summer.
Marc Guehi remains Liverpool’s top target, while they are also considering a number of options including Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa as they weigh up multiple targets.
However, Football Insider revealed on 27 October that Aston Villa will not sell Konsa under any circumstances in the January transfer window.
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