Report: Reds could cash in on star amid wage demands | OneFootball

Ibrahima Konaté’s Liverpool Future in Doubt Amid Contract Standoff

Konaté Faces Uncertain Future at Anfield

Liverpool find themselves in a delicate position with Ibrahima Konaté, as contract talks with the centre-back have reportedly hit an impasse. According to a report from CaughtOffside, “Liverpool are ‘concerned’ about a repeat of the scenario that saw Trent Alexander-Arnold depart for Real Madrid on a free transfer.”

Konaté, 26, is currently under contract until the summer of 2026, but the lack of progress in securing a contract extension has left Anfield insiders uneasy. The club’s concerns have intensified due to serious interest from four footballing powerhouses: Al-Hilal, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid.

Wage Demands Present a Sticking Point

One major hurdle in the negotiations appears to be the French defender’s wage demands. CaughtOffside revealed that “Konate is reportedly demanding a weekly salary of around £200,000,” a figure Liverpool’s hierarchy is hesitant to match. Should no agreement be reached by the end of the summer, Liverpool are prepared to sanction a sale in the region of €50–60 million.

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With just one year left on his deal, Liverpool are said to have set a firm deadline this summer to determine his future — a move likely intended to avoid losing another star asset on a free transfer.

A Pillar of the Defence

Since arriving at Anfield, Konaté has grown into a key figure in Liverpool’s defensive structure. As CaughtOffside aptly put it: “He is one of the first names on the team sheet, and losing him would be a blow for the club.” Indeed, as Arne Slot prepares to try and defend the Premier League title, losing Konate would be a massive blow in that defence.

Clubs Circling

Should Liverpool fail to meet his demands, they risk watching an elite talent slip through their fingers — one who will not be short of suitors. Top clubs across Europe are already circling, and as CaughtOffside concluded: “There will be no shortage of clubs hoping to sign an elite player like him.”

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this situation feels eerily familiar — shades of the Alexander-Arnold saga linger heavily. Konaté’s impact since arriving has been immense. He’s not just a physical presence, but a calming influence next to Virgil van Dijk, and arguably the long-term successor to the Dutchman.

If the club baulks at paying him £200k per week, one must ask — who exactly deserves that wage if not a player in his prime, with world-class pedigree, and genuine loyalty to the shirt thus far? We’ve just seen what happens when contract matters are allowed to fester too long. Losing another key piece — particularly one who is central to our defensive setup — would be a gross miscalculation.

There’s also the matter of his resale value. Sure, €50–60 million sounds fair, but replacing him with a player of similar profile will either cost more or involve significant risk. In truth, fans want to see Konaté extended now, not sold. He represents the next era of Liverpool’s back line, and Slot would be wise to build around him — not replace him.