Liverpool star willing to join Barcelona as talks open

Liverpool kicked off their Premier League title defence with a 4-2 win at home against Bournemouth on Friday night.

Goals from Hugo Ekitike - on debut - as well as Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah ensured victory for Arne Slot’s Reds.

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Nonetheless the Anfield side were made to endure some difficult moments defensively - with the Cherries pulling two goals back from 2-0 down.

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Antoine Semenyo was the beneficiary of some questionable defending on the part of the Reds - with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate both coming under scrutiny for their part in the goals.

Liverpool in tricky position over Konate

It has been revealed that Van Dijk was suffering the effects of a virus in recent days while Konate may well be distracted by talk over his future.

Despite kicking off the season as first choice in Slot’s backline, the 26-year-old may not be at the club by the time the transfer window closes.

His current contract expires in 2026 and if no agreement is reached over a new deal then he could well be sold. With the France international effectively running down his deal, Liverpool are in a tricky position.

Konate willing to move to Barca

They have signed 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni as cover with Jarell Quansah having joined Bayer Leverkusen.

But there could well be more movement in the centre-back area with Sempre Barca now claiming that Barcelona have opened talks with Konate’s entourage over a move to Camp Nou.

It had earlier been reckoned that Konate would leave for Real Madrid if he were to leave Anfield this summer but the process looks to have been stepped up with Barca in recent days.

The source is claiming negotiations are underway between the Spanish champions and the defender - who is said to be open to the prospect of moving to Catalonia.

Barca actively chasing Konate

“Deco remains in contact with the player’s camp, and the club is actively pursuing this operation,” the report reads - adding that Liverpool would seek €50m in the event that Konate is sold this summer.

Barca have lost Inigo Martinez to Al-Nassr - opening up a space in the centre of defence which they would like Konate to fill.

Nonetheless talks with Liverpool are described as Konate’s priority at this stage - with the player keen to learn what Richard Hughes is willing to give him to stay.

Konate has rejected all of Liverpool’s previous attempts to secure him to a new deal and the Premier League champion would like around £200k per week to renew.

It appears that Konate is therefore keeping his options open and learn about interest at other clubs - putting Liverpool under pressure to wrap up a deal.

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