Latest news with #TheTransferShow
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
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.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dave Davis Dismisses De Bruyne Wishes but Flags Gittens Potential
Future Watch: Liverpool's Transfer Radar Scans De Bruyne, Gittens and Cherki De Bruyne's Uncertain Exit Sparks Fan Curiosity When Kevin De Bruyne appeared in the tunnel after Manchester City's recent win over Everton, his words were sharper than usual. 'There was a little bit of shock as I didn't have any offer from City the whole year,' he said. 'Obviously I was a bit surprised but I have to accept it.' Advertisement That statement, discussed in detail by Dave Davis on The Transfer Show, quickly turned heads. 'This is a player that is quite clearly saying 'I think I can still perform at this level'… in football terms, that's 'Offer me something,'' Davis noted. Yet despite murmurs across fan media that Liverpool should swoop in, Davis poured cold water on the idea. 'In football terms, he's dead – his legs have gone,' Davis said, quoting an analyst's blunt assessment. 'FSG giving big wages to a 33-year-old? It's not happening. We're not like that.' Still, the fact that De Bruyne is being talked about in Liverpool circles shows the desperation for creativity in midfield – and just how much his City future has drifted into uncertainty. Gittens Move a Possibility if Price Is Right Of all the emerging talents discussed, Jamie Gittens appears the most likely to land in Liverpool's plans – but only if the numbers work. The Borussia Dortmund winger, still just 20, has been scouted extensively by Liverpool, according to Davis. Advertisement 'Explosive… one of the quickest players in the Bundesliga,' Davis said, referencing Dortmund's public speed data. 'Liverpool have had a hard look – and if the price comes down, don't be surprised if they move.' The sticking point so far? Dortmund's valuation. 'When the price was quoted, it was like 'not a chance.' But if it comes to that Liverpool sweet spot around the £40 million zone, they'll be back in.' It's not a done deal by any stretch, but Gittens fits the FSG mould – young, high ceiling, and mouldable. 'There's a lot of raw materials there to work with,' Davis added, suggesting he'd be a project player rather than an immediate starter. Cherki Still a YouTube Dream, Not a Slot System Fit Rayan Cherki's name refuses to go away. Another week, another viral highlight reel, another wave of calls from fans to make a move. But as Davis explained, the hype doesn't match Liverpool's reality. Advertisement 'Whenever you ask around about Cherki, you kind of get an 'Oh my God, has this name come up again?'' Davis said. 'Liverpool have watched him, of course, but if they wanted to do it, they could have by now. Around £25 million would get it done.' So why hasn't it happened? 'When you look at all his metrics… Mo Salah looks like Gattuso compared to Cherki,' Davis quipped. 'You're essentially defending with nine if Cherki and Salah are on the pitch.' It's not just the stats. There are whispers about his attitude too, although as Davis admitted, 'No one ever really knows – the stories are coming out of France.' But in a squad where work rate is non-negotiable under Arne Slot, Cherki may be a non-starter. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis Liverpool's transfer focus is often clinical, but the chatter around De Bruyne, Gittens, and Cherki shows how perception and practicality clash in summer planning. De Bruyne is a legend – but the wage demands and age make a deal impossible. Gittens is raw but promising – the type of player Liverpool can sculpt. Cherki remains a dazzling wildcard that simply doesn't fit the system. As Dave Davis put it, 'If the price comes down, Liverpool are back being interested… but they won't bend their model for anyone.'
