Ibou Konaté has been one of the market’s most sought-after centre-backs for the past six months. The combination of a French international with the reigning Premier League champions and an expiring contract has seen Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona revolve around Anfield before the opportunity comes in January to negotiate with the centre-back. Then Real Madrid withdrew this one, it was reported on the ball island. Now comes the explanation why.
One is of course very variable performances in the match arena this autumn and winter. Liverpool management should not worry about a dip in form in the negotiations over an extension, but several Liverpool supporters are now asking themselves whether Kontate is really worth a big pay rise.
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Here are some reactions from Liverpool supporters after the 1-1 draw against Sunderland:
“I’m not sure which planet Ibou Konaté is on this season, but it’s certainly not Earth. Everywhere, again,” one fan wrote on social media.
Another added, “I can’t believe Konaté is doing any of that out there.”
Liverpool supporter and chairman of Peterborough United, Darragh MacAnthony, described the Frenchman as “Bambi on ice”.
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And Real Madrid’s about-face? According to the Daily Mail , the La Liga giant is instead looking at other options after Konaté’s declining form, but at the same time, Xabi Alonso is happy and “comfortable with Dean Huijsen and Eder Militao as their defensive duo”.
