Concerns grow over Liverpool star's future

Liverpool are on the brink of being in deep trouble. Ibrahima Konate is an essential part of Arne Slot's defence and his future could not be more uncertain.

It has been extensively reported that the Frenchman's contract will expire in 2026 and as such, the defender has a big decision to make about where he wants to play his football next season.

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Either he moves on for a hefty price tag this summer or he remains at the club on the basis that he will sign a new contract to keep him on Merseyside for the next few years at least.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's contract saga has left Liverpool with egg on their face, losing a player who is extraordinarily talented on a free transfer. Allowing another situation to unfold is unthinkable.

Konate's contract silence is becoming growing concern

Anfield Watch has exclusively reported a number of updates on Konate, explaining the interest he's facing from Paris Saint Germain, which will no doubt be tempting for the Frenchman.

Konate grew up in Paris and would likely fulfil a career dream by making the move.

Furthermore, we understand that the captaincy is something that he will be offered if he was to leave Liverpool in favour of joining the side that knocked the Reds out of the Champions League this season.

As such, his radio silence over the last few weeks will be a growing concern, an actuality that has now been backed up by an update from Graeme Bailey with Rousing the Kop.

The report claims: "The Liverpool hierarchy are growing worried things may have been left too late to keep the 25-year-old at Anfield.

"Conversations have taken place over an extension for Konate, but it's understood that an agreement is not currently close.

"Although as things stand this summer is the last chance for Liverpool to make some money back on Konate, RTK have been informed that the Reds remain determined not to sell him.

"The impasse is understood to stem from Konate's current wage demands, which Liverpool view as being extensive."

Given the significant financial outlay that has just been sanctioned for Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk's contract extensions, it is understandable that there is a cautiousness about giving in to even more substantial wage demands.

Furthermore, centre-back targets with lower wage demands are currently being assessed by the club, such as Dean Huijsen, so maybe Liverpool will stand their ground and replace the centre-back this summer if he decides to leave.

But given how crucial his defensive partnership with Van Dijk has been to delivering the Premier League title this season, it would be an incredibly bold call to make.

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One thing is for sure is that Liverpool are on the brink of entering an untenable position. Allowing Konate to stay this summer when his new contract isn't wrapped up will leave the club in a situation where a familiar tale would become a legitimate possibility - letting him leave for free.

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