Liverpool Face Fight to Keep Konaté Amid PSG and Madrid Interest

Yahoo

21-05-2025

Konaté's Liverpool Future in Doubt as PSG Circle: Inside The Transfer Show Reveal
Liverpool may be Premier League champions, but not all is rosy at Anfield. As revealed by Dave Davis on the latest episode of The Transfer Show with Trev Downey on Anfield Index, Ibrahima Konaté's contract situation has become a growing concern behind the scenes. With Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid showing serious interest, Konaté's future on Merseyside is now under genuine threat.
PSG's Ambitious Pitch
'PSG are right in Konaté's ear,' said Davis, pulling no punches about the French club's intentions. He described how PSG are pitching the idea of the 25-year-old centre-half becoming their 'captain' and 'leader,' all while playing a starring role ahead of the next World Cup.
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The message is clear: return to Paris and become a hometown hero.
'Come and be our captain, come and be our leader… be a star in Paris,' Davis detailed, highlighting just how personalised and ambitious PSG's recruitment approach has been.
Real Madrid Lurking with Familiar Strategy
If PSG's approach is emotional and direct, Real Madrid's is shrewd and calculated. 'Florentino Pérez has got a kind of kink for good players on a free,' said Davis. Madrid are reportedly urging Konaté to either run down his contract or let them swoop in for a reduced fee.
That creates a dangerous scenario for Liverpool: two European giants, both with compelling offers, and a player who has not yet committed to a long-term future at Anfield.
No New Deal on the Table
It wasn't long ago that Konaté seemed close to penning a new deal. 'It felt like almost done until literally Monday,' Davis admitted. But since then, things have gone quiet. 'This isn't close… the wages are up, and all things like that.'
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For Liverpool, the dilemma is two-fold. On one hand, there's a desire to keep Konaté. On the other, there are concerns. 'You are committing £52 million or so to a player that you've probably still got a few injury questions over,' Davis explained. He added, 'When VVD isn't there, is Ibou the leader that you need?'
Liverpool's Transfer Silence on Replacements
Perhaps more worrying than the Konaté news itself is Liverpool's current lack of clear alternatives. 'We're not hearing any other names,' said Downey. Even previously floated options like Marc Guéhi and Jarrad Branthwaite have gone quiet.
Davis mentioned that only Dean Huijsen has been seriously discussed, saying: 'That felt opportunistic.' And while the club have looked at Araújo (Benfica), no deal appears imminent.
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If Konaté were to leave, Liverpool risk being undercooked in defence — a situation that could undo the progress made under manager Arne Slot.
Liverpool Need a Decision Fast
Liverpool must act decisively. As Davis noted, 'PSG will probably make an offer, but they're not going to pay top dollar because they know he's got a year left.' That opens the door to lowball bids and a potential transfer saga dragging on through the summer.
Liverpool's reluctance to break their wage structure is admirable, but in this case, it could cost them a key piece of their future defensive line. The ball is in the club's court, but with two heavyweights circling, the clock is ticking.