Richard Hughes now has MASSIVE decision to make over Ibrahima Konate

Liverpool were helpless as Trent Alexander-Arnold ran down his contract ahead of a lucrative move to Real Madrid.

Sporting director Richard Hughes did well to earn a £8.4m fee for the homegrown defender in the end - but there is no doubt that they would have preferred not to lose Trent at the end of his contract.

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The risks are no less profound for a number of other Liverpool stars. There are concerns over the fate of Luis Diaz - for example - and Hughes must decide whether to cash in on the winger this summer with his deal expiring in 2027.

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But the biggest danger surrounds Ibrahima Konate.

Konate out of contract in 2026

The French defender signed for the Reds back in 2021 on a £35m deal from RB Leipzig. However it took him until the 2024/25 season to truly establish himself in the heart of the Reds’ defence.

Konate, 26, formed a Premier League title-winning partnership alongside Virgil van Dijk - becoming a key part of the first-team set-up under Arne Slot.

But Konate’s current contract expires in 2026. There has been no progress in talks over a new deal - with the French international and the club reportedly far apart on their valuations over a new offer.

Konate wants to leave

Now comes a report from Foot Mercato confirming the Reds’ worst fears. According to the French publication, Konate is now seeking to see out his Liverpool contract ahead of a lucrative free transfer next summer.

The player wants a change - with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain named as potentially interested parties.

Anfieldwatch first reported PSG’s interest while there is long-standing admiration inside the Bernabeu for Konate.

Will Konate be sold?

Hughes must now decide what to do over Konate. It was suggested a few weeks back that the club were ready to send a “sign or be sold” message Konate’s way.

Well now it appears that Konate’s hand has been played - at least according to the latest French reports.

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If Liverpool can earn decent money on a sale this summer - and reinvest in Marc Guehi for example - that is more preferable than seeing another key first-team defender walk out the door for nothing.