Ibrahima Konate has reportedly knowledgeable Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes of the phrases that he’s in search of to be able to lengthen his contract on the membership.
The centre-back is now into the ultimate 12 months of his present deal, and switch insider Graeme Bailey claimed in June that the France worldwide is ‘demanding massive cash’ if he’s to stay at Anfield.
The Reds reportedly need a resolution to be made on his future a method or one other by the tip of August in order that, if it turns into obvious that an settlement received’t be struck, they’d nonetheless have the ability to promote him for payment somewhat than letting him stroll away for nothing subsequent 12 months.
Konate makes his contractual calls for recognized to Liverpool chiefs
French outlet L’Equipe has now shared an replace on Konate’s contract state of affairs, and it seems that the ball has been positioned firmly in Hughes’ and Liverpool’s courtroom.
They’ve reported that discussions over a possible renewal for the 26-year-old recommenced at the beginning of the summer time, having been on maintain for a number of months, and that ‘counter provides’ have been made ‘from either side’.
It’s added that the Reds’ sporting director ‘is conscious of’ the defender’s contractual calls for and ‘should now present a solution’ as as to whether or not these could be happy by the membership.
Liverpool should do their utmost to present Konate a brand new deal
Whereas it’s unclear how a lot Konate is demanding or whether or not that’s achievable inside Liverpool’s wage construction, we’d wish to assume that every one events might discover a mutually passable center floor so {that a} deal is struck which’d maintain the defender at Anfield.
The 26-year-old was a key determine in our Premier League triumph final season – solely 5 males performed extra minutes all through the marketing campaign – however in line with Capology, his present wage of £70,000 per week locations him within the decrease half of earners amongst Arne Slot’s squad.
That’d recommend that the France worldwide is effectively inside his rights to demand a big pay improve if he’s to increase his contract on the membership, particularly as he comes into what must be the prime of his profession.
It isn’t simply due to Konate’s defensive prowess that Liverpool should do the whole lot of their energy to maintain maintain of him. The sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen this summer time has left the Reds with solely three pure senior centre-backs, a worrying growth as the brand new season attracts ever nearer.
Until the Frenchman’s calls for are ridiculously out of attain for LFC, the hierarchy have to be open to a level of compromise in order that they’ll retain an important determine within the squad and get rid of the danger of shedding him on a free switch in 2026.
Over to you, Richard Hughes!
