Latest news with #Konaté
Yahoo
4 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
- Business
- Yahoo
Liverpool Face Fight to Keep Konaté Amid PSG and Madrid Interest
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. Advertisement 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.' Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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.
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
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool Summer Complications Mount as Konaté Contract Talks Stall
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté is facing a period of uncertainty regarding his Anfield future. On The Transfer Show podcast via Anfield Index, Dave Davis did not hold back in expressing growing concerns around the Frenchman's stalled contract talks. 'There's a real fear at the club that this is the hill that the nerds, the bean counters, die on,' Davis warned. 'They won't go past a certain point.' This stark comment reflects a worrying trend for Liverpool, who have already seen contract negotiations become flashpoints in the past. According to Davis, the figures being discussed are considerable. 'From £80k to £200k is the reported jump that he's looking to make.' While Konaté remains a fan favourite and a key part of the defensive unit, Liverpool's hesitation to meet those wage demands has opened the door to external interest—most notably, Real Madrid. 'Real Madrid have got in his ear,' Davis stated, revealing that Los Blancos are 'looking for a centre-half now' and have 'been speaking to Konaté's camp.' This isn't idle speculation—multiple sources, including Davis, believe Madrid's involvement is serious enough to be a problem for Liverpool's summer planning. Losing Konaté wouldn't just be a blow to Liverpool's first-team depth—it could disrupt the entire defensive structure. 'What team has won the title and then got rid of half their defence?' Davis asked pointedly. 'Right-back and the right-sided centre-back—if they both go, it doesn't end well.' With potential changes at right-back already under discussion, particularly the ongoing links to Jeremie Frimpong, the prospect of replacing two core defensive players in one summer window poses considerable risk. Davis put it plainly: 'It doesn't bear well in football… especially centre-halves—it's about partnership and understanding.' That understanding between Ibou and Liverpool's backline has been cultivated over time. Any disruption, particularly involving a player of Konaté's physicality, anticipation, and tactical maturity, could force a rethink of the entire defensive strategy under Arne Slot. The economic angle can't be ignored. If Konaté declines to sign a new deal, Liverpool may be forced to sell while they still hold leverage. As Davis explained, 'PSG then have all the chips… Everyone just goes, 'PSG will give you £70 million, Trev, why would they?' They'll know he has a year left to go.' Letting Ibou run down his contract is not a viable option, and Liverpool are acutely aware. 'They can't really afford to let him leave on a free,' Davis added. This creates a difficult dynamic: match the wage demands or cash in now while his value remains high. The implications go beyond finances. Selling Konaté would mean not only losing a high-calibre centre-back but also creating another hole to fill in an already challenging transfer window. 'We've said before,' Davis reiterated, 'this is my worry for the summer.' The podcast also provided a lighter but telling insight into Konaté's lifestyle and perceived wage aspirations. 'Ibou needs every cent of that £200k,' joked Davis. 'He likes his private jets, it appears.' Referencing a viral photo, Davis recalled Alexis Mac Allister's comment to Konaté: 'I want to be you when I grow up.' While delivered with humour, it underscores the perception that Konaté sees himself as an elite-level professional deserving of top-tier compensation. That may be fair, but it presents Liverpool's hierarchy with a dilemma in balancing squad harmony with financial discipline. As things stand, Liverpool must decide whether Ibrahima Konaté is central to their plans in the Slot era—or whether economic realities will force a reluctant farewell. 'Unfortunately,' Davis concluded, 'it's the same stories, which worries me.' With Real Madrid circling and internal negotiations stagnating, the summer could prove pivotal for one of Liverpool's most athletic and promising defenders.
