Liverpool tell contract rebel: 'Sign deal or be SOLD'

Liverpool are plotting a major overhaul to their defence this summer. We’ve already seen Jeremie Frimpong arrive as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

And Milos Kerkez will shortly be confirmed as Liverpool’s new starting left-back. Where that deal will leave Andy Robertson is currently unknown but the Scot is currently under consideration by Atletico Madrid.

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And away from the two full-back positions, there is even more uncertainty. Liverpool can be grateful that Virgil van Dijk has been secured to a new contract because all around him his central defensive colleagues are unsure of their futures.

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Jarell Quansah looks like he will be soon departing for Bayer Leverkusen and Joe Gomez might well leave if the right deal materialises for club and player.

The Reds have earmarked Marc Guehi as a potential arrival - and there is also interest in Jorrel Hato of Ajax.

Liverpool warn Konate over contract

One key reason why Liverpool need plenty of forward planning at this stage is the contract status of Ibrahima Konate.

Signed from RB Leipzig in 2021, the 26-year-old established himself alongside Van Dijk in the Premier League title-winning campaign.

But he’s only under contract for another 12 months - currently scheduled to depart in summer 2026. And now it’s been claimed that if Konate refuses to commit to a new deal this summer then the Reds will have no qualms about selling him.

That’s according to a new report in Fichajes - which claims Real Madrid would even be interested in a deal this summer and not just adding him on a free next year.

Madrid willing to pay for Konate

“The board is beginning to assume that, if there's no progress in the talks, it would be better to seek a sale now than risk losing him for free,” the report reads.

Madrid need centre-back cover considering the injuries sustained by Eder Militao in recent seasons as well as the problems they’ve had in getting consistency from David Alaba.

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“The club is keen on a possible free transfer next year, although they haven't ruled out a move to a faster rate if Liverpool decide to sell this summer,” the report continues.

So far Liverpool have been unsuccessful in tying Konate to a new deal. He is reported to be seeking a significant pay rise - up to £200k per week.

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That’s not a sum Liverpool seem keen on paying right now. And so it leaves Richard Hughes in a very decisive position over Konate.

“The English club's position is clear: if there's no long-term commitment, they'll look for a profitable exit,” the report summarises.