Liverpool Star to Stay This Summer Despite Interest from European Giants – Opinion | OneFootball

Why Liverpool Must Keep Ibrahima Konate This Summer

Reports of Ibrahima Konate’s contract talks stalling have sparked speculation that Liverpool might cash in on him, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain both showing interest. But selling the French defender this summer would be a major misstep. Konate is vital to Liverpool’s chances of defending their Premier League title and competing in the UEFA Champions League under Arne Slot.

Letting him go now, when his value to the team is at its peak, makes little footballing sense. He remains in his prime, physically dominant and tactically sharp. Replacing him would be expensive, disruptive and ultimately unnecessary. Even with his contract situation unresolved, Liverpool should focus on retaining their best players, not selling them at reduced prices to European rivals.

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Quansah Sale Increases Urgency

With Jarell Quansah now at Bayer Leverkusen in a £35 million deal, Liverpool have lost a homegrown talent and a key rotational centre-back. Although the club wisely inserted a buyback clause, his exit leaves a gap that needs addressing now.

The club cannot rely on Van Dijk, Gomez and Konate alone for an entire campaign across all competitions. Nat Phillips is expected to leave permanently, further shrinking the defensive pool. Depth and competition in central defence are now more important than ever.

Signing Marc Guehi Makes Sense

Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is reportedly high on Liverpool’s radar. The England international is entering the final year of his contract, and Palace are keen to sell while they still can. Whether for £40 million this summer or free next year, Guehi is an excellent option.

He is young, Premier League-proven and technically strong. Importantly, he could slot in now as a first-team player and develop into a long-term partner for Konate or his successor. Liverpool need to act quickly and decisively here. Waiting risks losing him to a rival.

Prioritising Trophies Over Fees

Liverpool have shown before that they are willing to let contracts run down when the player’s value on the pitch outweighs their market price. The same logic should apply to Konate. A season with him gives the club the best shot at winning major honours again. Selling him now to raise funds would compromise that ambition.