Ibrahima Konaté has reportedly rejected Liverpool’s contract renewal offer, sparking concerns that he might leave the club for a free transfer next summer. The French defender, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021 for £36 million, has been presented with a new contract offer, but he’s dissatisfied with the structure of the deal, which heavily relies on performance-based incentives ¹.

Reasons for Rejection

– Wage Structure: Konaté’s representatives are pushing for a higher guaranteed salary, reflecting his importance to the team. The current offer doesn’t meet their expectations.

– Prioritization: Liverpool’s delay in opening talks with Konaté, due to prioritizing negotiations with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, might have contributed to his frustration ² ¹.

Potential Departure

– Real Madrid Interest: Real Madrid is closely monitoring the situation, and their confidence in signing Konaté for free next summer is growing. They’ve developed a track record of snapping up top talent on free transfers.

– Liverpool’s Dilemma: If Konaté leaves, Liverpool might struggle to find a suitable replacement. Marc Guehi, a target for the Reds, could be a potential backup plan ³.

Liverpool’s Next Steps

– Contract Renegotiation: Liverpool needs to decide whether to increase their offer or consider selling Konaté to avoid losing him for free.

– Alternative Signings: The club might accelerate plans to sign Marc Guehi or other defenders if Konaté’s departure seems imminent ³.

Implications

– Defensive Strategy: Konaté’s potential departure would significantly impact Liverpool’s defensive strategy and squad dynamics. New manager Arne Slot sees Konaté as central to his defensive rebuild but believes the Frenchman still has levels to hit.

– Transfer Market: Konaté’s situation highlights the challenges clubs face in retaining top talent. Liverpool’s experience with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid might serve as a cautionary tale ¹ ³.