Stefan Borson: Liverpool ‘likely’ to lose £50m star for nothing
Ibrahima Konate has been heavily linked with an exit ahead of his Liverpool contract expiring at the end of this season.
Arne Slot’s side lost 3-0 to Manchester City last time out, with Konate slammed by Liverpool fans following his display at the Etihad Stadium.
Football Insider revealed on 6 November Liverpool fear Konate could already be close to agreeing a deal away from Merseyside.
The 26-year-old is able to agree a pre-contract with overseas clubs from January onwards, with Real Madrid heavily linked with him in recent months.
Trent Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid when his Liverpool deal expired in June this year, sparking fury among the Anfield faithful.
Liverpool set to make Ibrahima Konate exit decision
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Liverpool could miss out on £50million if Konate leaves on a free transfer.
The Reds signed the France international from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021 after activating his £36m release clause.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “On any basis, even if he’s out of form, he’s worth £50m, so you do your best to try and get him on a contract so that you can then sell him on or keep him.
“I’m sure they are offering him a contract. I’m sure they’ll continue offering him a contract all the way through to the end of his contract, but it does seem like he’s probably going to go, especially if he’s got an offer.
“If that offer is crystallised in January, as we know it can be to go abroad, then that’ll be the end of that. It’s likely he’ll go on a free transfer now. When you get to this stage and with the noise, it feels like he’s going to go. It’s disappointing for Liverpool.”
Football Insider revealed on Monday (17 November) Liverpool are accelerating their plans to replace Konate if the centre-back doesn’t agree a new deal soon.
Liverpool facing ‘big problem’ after Real Madrid’s Konate swoop
Borson insisted Real Madrid are causing a “big problem” for clubs like Liverpool following their interest in Konate.
“To be honest, I think the way Real Madrid are throwing their power around in the market, even against teams like Liverpool, is a challenge for these clubs because it is disrupting contract negotiations,” said Borson.
“If Real Madrid put that player in their sights, you do have a big problem no matter who you are.
“It’s tens of millions of pounds the difference between Konate or Alexander-Arnold signing the contract and not signing the contract each time.”
Konate has started in all 16 of his appearances for Liverpool this season, with Slot’s side currently sitting eighth in the Premier League table.
For more Liverpool and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.