Richard Hughes now has MASSIVE decision to make over Ibrahima Konate | OneFootball

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.

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.

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.

© IMAGO