Liverpool risk seeing another repeat of the Trent Alexander-Arnold saga following reports that Ibrahima Konate is “putting the brakes” on a contract extension at Anfield.
Alexander-Arnold caused controversy when he left Liverpool for Real Madrid this summer after letting his contract expire, which only brought Liverpool €10 million from the Spanish club for his participation in the Club World Cup.
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Konate rejects first offer
According to The Guardian, Konate has now entered the final year of his contract with Liverpool, and the French stopper has rejected the club’s first extension offer.
The 26-year-old is said to be “disappointed” with the structure of the deal, with Konate’s representatives reportedly demanding a higher base salary rather than the performance-based salary model Liverpool are offering.
Liverpool are planning
to continue negotiations with Konate later this summer, but they are described as “steadfast” in their determination not to overpay – even with clubs like Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain on the lookout for any uncertainty about his future.
If Liverpool fail to agree a new deal with Konate before the end of the summer, they could be forced to sell him to avoid losing him on a free transfer or at a significantly lower than market value next year.
Liverpool are looking for a new centre-back
Liverpool have already started reinforcements in defence after breaking the British transfer record with the signing of Florian Wirtz last week. In addition, they have brought in Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth is on his way in the next few days.
Regardless of Konate’s situation, Arne Slot’s side are looking for a new centre-back to replace Jarell Quansah, who has accepted a move to Bayer Leverkusen for around €40 million.
Guehi on the radar
Liverpool’s latest target is believed to be Marc Guehi, who has reportedly informed Crystal Palace that he will not extend his contract that expires next summer. The England international wants a move to a top club to secure his place in the World Cup squad next year.
Guehi could now be sold this summer, with Arsenal, Newcastle and Chelsea among the clubs competing with Liverpool for his signature. But the 26-year-old could also consider following Alexander-Arnold’s example by letting his contract expire and signing for Liverpool on a free transfer next year.
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