Richard Hughes working on massive deal for nearly a YEAR; hopes to seal it ASAP

Richard Hughes has reportedly been working on a deal for nearly a year now. He hopes to get it over the line ASAP.

Richard Hughes has had a wild year as Liverpool sporting director. The Reds have spent more money than in any other point in their history, with over £400m going towards new players.

Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak were record-breaking deals for the club this summer. The latter even shattered the English transfer record.

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And that's all on top of another £200m arriving in incoming sales. Well over half a billion in deals for Hughes in 2025, then, when you account for either direction.

Yet, there's at least one deal that Hughes has now been working on for a long, long time. He's still to get it over the line, too.

But hopefully that changes soon.

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Ibrahima Konate's contract

Ibrahima Konate's contract will expire at the end of the season - unless he agrees on a new one. Liverpool certainly hope he does.

The Athletic explains that Richard Hughes opened discussions with Konate nearly a year ago now, though things have proven 'problematic'. There hasn't been any sort of agreement and as January 1st approaches, it'll be more and more difficult to find one.

Non-English clubs can offer Konate formal terms from that point and agree a pre-contract. In other words, Liverpool lose their right to sole negotiations with the defender.

Real Madrid are said to be interested, much as they were with Trent Alexander-Arnold last season. Again, it makes things difficult for Hughes.

Konate, having turned around his very-early-season form, finds himself in a position of strength. He'll want a large wage from Liverpool, especially as he'll command one on the open market this summer.

But we'll keep our fingers crossed. Liverpool have found ways to get difficult deals done all year.

What's one more for Hughes and co.?

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