Liverpool learn HARSH Ibrahima Konate contract truth after Man City mauling

Liverpool have been worried about Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation for quite a while.

The 26-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of the season but right now there is no renewal on the horizon. Unless Richard Hughes and the France international’s entourage can come to an agreement then he will be leaving for free.

This is not an ideal situation for the Reds to be in over a key first-team player. He cost £35m and Liverpool’s decision-makers will be desperate to prevent him leaving on a free.

That would require a big compromise on the part of the club however and Konate seems to be sticking to his guns in negotiations.

Konate's mammoth renewal demands

The centre-back obviously will require a big rise from his current £140k per week. It’s been reported he wants £200k per week at least - which would catapult him into the club’s top band of earners.

But there is an awkward question looming in the background - particularly after the defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

Is Konate worth it?

Of course he is Premier League-proven but this season he has been short of his best. His game against City was littered with errors; he was at fault for the concession of the penalty handed to Erling Haaland by VAR.

And he lost his man in the run-up to the Haaland opener too - failing to win his header and allowing the Norwegian goal machine to profit.

Is Konate worth it?

Liverpool would be expecting Konate to one day take over as the defensive leader - particularly as Van Dijk edges towards the end of his time at the club.

But the France international is FAR too inconsistent right now. Liverpool are not getting the best out of him and the risk is that continues in the seasons ahead once he signs his bumper renewal.

The harsh truth may be that Konate has given Liverpool his best days already and - for the price - should be permitted to continue his career elsewhere.

We could see the opportunity to renew the backline in 2026 - starting with a new partner for Van Dijk. Marc Guehi and Ronald Araujo fit the bill and could come in and offer an upgrade on Konate.

He’s not giving a convincing pitch for a renewal - with his demands less likely to be met on the back of performances like this.

When Salah required a new deal last season he put in arguably the best-ever individual season in Premier League history. Konate needs to learn from that and get back to his best.

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