Latest news with #IbrahimaKonaté
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool defender under fire after Nations League collapse
Ibrahima Konaté Falters on International Stage as France Crumble to Spain Liverpool defender struggles in 5-4 defeat, drawing scathing reviews from French media As the Premier League season fades into the rear-view mirror and many players sink into summer mode, the international calendar continues to serve up high-stakes fixtures—and for Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté, Thursday night in Stuttgart was a brutal reminder that reputations are fragile and form is fleeting. Spain Expose France—and Konaté Tasked with anchoring France's defence in a UEFA Nations League semi-final against reigning European champions Spain, Konaté endured a torrid evening. Despite the final scoreline reading 5-4, a late flurry from Les Bleus papered over what had been, for long stretches, a harrowing performance. Advertisement France were 5-1 down with 11 minutes left. The comeback, spirited though it was, came too late to mask the defensive disarray that had preceded it. At the centre of that collapse stood Konaté. Handed a rare starting opportunity in the absence of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano, the Liverpool centre-back was expected to lead from the back. Instead, his display became a focal point for criticism back home. French Media Slam Konaté's Performance Respected outlet RMC Sport delivered a damning verdict: 2 out of 10. The 26-year-old was lambasted for his role in Mikel Oyarzabal's opening goal and accused of 'suffering greatly' as the Spanish attack ran riot. Advertisement He 'was not the leader we know,' the outlet added, pointing to a lack of authority alongside Clément Lenglet and a tendency to gift possession in dangerous areas. Foot Mercato echoed those sentiments, also awarding Konaté a 2/10 rating. A 'solid start' quickly unravelled into a 'collapse,' with the defender reportedly 'trembling' in the face of Spanish pressure and unable to bring calm to a crumbling backline. A Missed Opportunity in More Ways Than One For Konaté, this was more than just a bad night—it was a missed opportunity to solidify his standing in Didier Deschamps' plans ahead of Euro 2028. While he is frequently called up, he remains behind Saliba and Upamecano in the pecking order. Thursday was supposed to be a statement; instead, it may be remembered as a setback. Advertisement It could also complicate matters at club level. Liverpool are currently locked in contract talks with the defender, who is reportedly seeking a substantial wage increase. While one match does not define a career, such high-profile errors under the spotlight won't help his bargaining position. Third-Place Playoff Now the Consolation Prize Now, Konaté will face club teammate Florian Wirtz and Germany in Sunday's third-place playoff—a somewhat hollow consolation given both nations had eyes on the final. As Liverpool's players scatter across the globe for summer duty, Konaté's difficult night stands out. While others soak up plaudits or sunshine, the Frenchman is left facing questions—both from his national selectors and his club negotiators.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
PSG enter race for Konaté as Reds assess Bundesliga defender
Liverpool's Bundesliga Bet Continues Amid Konaté Contract Stalemate Defensive Shuffle Looms as Summer Targets Take Shape In the latest piece by reported that Liverpool's interest in Castello Lukeba signals a calculated shift. With Ibrahima Konaté's contract ticking toward expiry in 2026, uncertainty has crept into what should have been a stable centre-back unit. The looming presence of Real Madrid, known for playing the long game with Bosman deals, raises justifiable concerns. As The Times reported, Konaté is demanding a mammoth '$255,000 per week in order to sign a renewal', a figure 150 percent above his current $102,000 salary. Photo: IMAGO The Reds have been notoriously prudent with their wage structure, and Konaté's proposed rise would catapult him into the elite bracket alongside Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and potentially Florian Wirtz. It's no surprise that Liverpool 'do not hand out lucrative contracts willy-nilly', especially not for a player who, despite his talent, has endured patches of inconsistency and injury. Lukeba's Emergence and Leipzig's Uncertain Ground Lukeba's name being 'high up on Liverpool's list of potential summer targets' reflects a strategic move. Leipzig's underwhelming seventh-place Bundesliga finish might open the door, even though 'Lukeba reportedly has a $100 million buyout clause'. That fee is beyond Liverpool's appetite this summer, especially after a $39 million splash on Jeremie Frimpong and a potential club-record outlay on Wirtz. Advertisement Football Insider has suggested that the situation at Leipzig makes Lukeba's exit plausible. Aged just 21 and with composure beyond his years, the Frenchman fits Arne Slot's mould for defenders who can play, press and adapt. Whether Liverpool can negotiate a deal well below the buyout clause remains to be seen. Konaté, PSG, and a Sliding Scale of Certainty Paris Saint-Germain, Konaté's boyhood club, lurks in the background, adding another layer of complexity. At 26, Konaté is approaching his peak, but his wage demands must be matched by form and availability. With Van Dijk committed 'for two more years' and Gomez returning from surgery, Liverpool's centre-back options are more fragile than firm. Photo IMAGO Jarell Quansah, a rare shining light last term, endured a 'regressive season' this year. That adds pressure on the recruitment team to get this summer's defensive business right. Lukeba, or an equivalent, is no longer just a want — it may be a need. Morrison Interest Reflects Wider Youth Strategy While the headlines focus on Europe's rising stars, Liverpool's own academy is drawing attention. Wolves and other European clubs are reportedly circling 18-year-old Kieran Morrison. He featured heavily at youth level this season, with six goals and five assists in 27 games. Advertisement 'Morrison… was an unused substitute during a Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven', showing he is on Arne Slot's radar. Having only signed his professional contract in May 2024, Liverpool will be keen to avoid another talent slipping through their grasp. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis Konaté's contract saga casts an uncomfortable shadow over Liverpool's summer. His push for $255,000 per week is not only excessive by Anfield standards, it's a gamble on a player who, while elite on his day, hasn't played like a $13 million-a-year centre-back consistently. If the club bends here, what message does it send ahead of Wirtz's arrival and future contract talks? The emergence of Castello Lukeba as a viable successor makes sense, but there are risks. Leipzig's $100 million clause is simply unrealistic unless they're willing to deal for significantly less. Even so, if Lukeba is the long-term partner to Van Dijk's heir, then Liverpool must act fast before others swoop. Advertisement The Morrison situation is another alarm bell. Losing top academy talent just after Jurgen Klopp's departure would sting. Slot needs to stamp his authority on youth development as well as first-team matters. The fact Morrison was on a Champions League bench already hints at his promise. Letting Wolves snatch him now would be a poor look. This summer is about transition and ruthlessness. Sentiment won't get Liverpool back to the top — smart deals, strategic exits, and clear leadership will.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
PSG Yet to Submit Offer for Real Madrid Target Facing Uncertain Liverpool Future
PSG are keeping close tabs on Ibrahima Konaté, but they're not the only ones showing interest—Real Madrid are also reportedly in the mix for the Liverpool center-back. With his contract running until 2026, Konaté is starting to attract more attention as the summer transfer window nears. Milan Skriniar, currently on loan at Fenerbahçe, is expected to leave PSG permanently at the end of the season. That's led the club to begin weighing options for defensive reinforcements. While nothing is close yet, it's clear PSG are planning for life without Skriniar. Advertisement Their interest in Konaté isn't new. Back in February, Anfield Watch reported that PSG had been monitoring him closely, sparking talk of a potential return to his hometown. The Paris-born defender came up through Paris FC's academy before making a name for himself at RB Leipzig, and he's now believed to be among PSG's top targets this summer. PSG monitoring Real Madrid target's situation at LiverpoolL'Équipe reports that PSG are keeping an eye on Konaté as they search for a right-sided center back. The Liverpool defender's name had surfaced frequently a few months ago, but so far, no offer has been submitted to the Premier League club. On Monday, TBR Football's chief correspondent Graeme Bailey shared more details on Konaté's situation, noting that Liverpool could be under pressure to sell the French defender rather than risk losing him on a free transfer. Advertisement 'We really can't underestimate just how worried Liverpool are by Konaté's situation,' Bailey said. 'It's a situation that they did inherit to be fair, but it's also one that they could have maybe got in front of last summer. 'If we're playing sort of devil's advocate with this, would Konaté have turned down a big contract offer last summer? Unfortunately he didn't really get one last summer. And then let's be fair to the player — he's backed himself to have that big season and he's had that. 'He really has stepped up from being a good Premier League player to being a very very good one. Liverpool are in a massive quandary with him now, I'm told if a new deal is looking unlikely in the coming weeks then do not rule out the prospect of Liverpool selling Konaté this summer. 'Liverpool don't want to be dragged into a difficult situation and obviously there is the prospect that Konaté might not accept a summer move Then if that is the case we wonder whether we're in a similar sort of cycle to Trent and Real Madrid. It's all about player power and Konaté's got it and Liverpool are very worried about this situation.'
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Real Madrid plan free agent swoop for 2nd Liverpool star
The brass at La Liga giants Real Madrid have set their sights on the signature of a 2nd member of the defensive ranks at Premier League champions Liverpool. That's according to Marca, who point towards Ibrahima Konaté as the player in question. Advertisement Real Madrid are of course expected to announce the signing of a current member of Arne Slot's Liverpool squad at any moment. This comes with Trent Alexander-Arnold all set to pen terms with Los Blancos, following the expiration of his contract at Anfield. And if the latest word stemming from the Spanish media is anything to go by, then Real are not done there… As per Marca, the board at the Santiago Bernabéu are also keen to lure Ibrahima Konaté to Spain's capital in the near future. Amid an ongoing search for reinforcements at the heart of defence, the Frenchman has been earmarked as a leading target, appreciated for both his physical and technical qualities. Advertisement Ahead of the expiration of his contract on Merseyside in the summer of 2026, Real Madrid are hopeful of convincing Konaté to run his terms down, to follow Alexander-Arnold to La Liga on a free transfer. Conor Laird – GSFN
Times
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Times
Ibrahima Konaté is a prime example of Arne Slot's success
The party had spilt on to the streets and into the pubs around Anfield when Ibrahima Konaté went back into a deserted stadium. The Liverpool centre half wanted to savour every moment of the club's 20th league title, so after the crowd had dispersed he left the dressing room and took his place in the stands. Soon enough, Konaté was on the verge of tears. 'I remember when we won the Carabao Cup last season at Wembley — it was amazing but this one was more special because it's the Premier League,' he said. 'After the game I walked into the stadium and just sat in the stand to feel like a fan and I don't have the words to describe what I felt. 'I
