PSG working on 'smooth exit' to allow Ibrahima Konate to join

Liverpool are very clear in which players are at risk of leaving and those the club wants to keep hold of, but rival clubs are continuing to lurk where they aren't wanted.

One example is Trent Alexander-Arnold, who the club and the fans desperately wanted to stay. He was subject to interest from Real Madrid and his head has been turned in favour of a 'new challenge'.

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Despite the recent confirmation that the Reds have won the Premier League, there was to be no convincing him, as the idea had already begun to take shape in his head.

As such, the club will need to be incredibly careful with some of their prized assets this summer. If they begin to consider a potential move away, then it could become incredibly difficult to change their mind.

PSG begin preparing for Konate's arrival

Right now, the player most at risk of leaving is Ibrahima Konate, who will no doubt be tempted by the approaches made by PSG for him to return to his home city.

The Frenchman is right at the top of his game at the moment, and he will only continue to get better as he is only 25 years old. It is paramount that Liverpool keep him happy because he has the potential to lead the Reds' defensive line for years to come.

But this season is the last opportunity he has to secure a transfer fee for the club, because he will leave in 2026 upon the expiration of his contract - a reality that fans can't bare thinking about.

As such, the mood around Merseyside is tense. Fans were given a brief moment of solace when Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk signed contract extensions, but another disaster is now brewing.

We were already well aware of the threat that the French champions posed. Anfield Watch exclusively reported earlier this season that the captain's armband has been promised to Konate.

But the latest reports from France have now given us an update about how serious PSG are in their admiration for the player, as arrangements to facilitate his transfer are already underway.

Writing for Sky Sport in France, journalist Sacha Tavolieri said: "Apart from Fresnel Kimpembe's situation, PSG is also working on a smooth exit of one of the Parc des Princes legends. Marquinhos could follow in the footsteps of his partner in defence to seize a financial opportunity.

"Although respected for his loyalty and qualities by his coach, he thinks that a smooth exit would have already been discussed between two corridors of the Campus in Poissy to allow Lucho to advance on profiles that he wants to see coming during the next summer transfer window."

Parts of the jigsaw are already falling into place to allow Konate to make his dream move, and if the right offer comes in, then Liverpool might be left with no choice but to let him go.

Of course, the comparisons between Trent's exit and the centre-back's potential transfer only exist when we consider that Konate isn't out of contract quite yet. But the club will be well aware that this is their chance to get some money for him, if a contract extension is firmly not on the cards.

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We already knew that this summer was going to be a substantial one, with a lot of incoming and outgoing transfers being sanctioned, but a replacement for Konate might now be a necessary signing.

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