Ibrahima Konate seems set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract at Liverpool, but he’d apparently been open to linking up with two of the Reds’ fiercest domestic rivals.
The defender had hinted after the Merseyside derby in mid-April that he was ‘close to an agreement’ at Anfield, but ultimately the relevant parties weren’t able to agree on terms over a new deal for the 27-year-old.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EMPIRE OF THE KOP APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY
He now looks destined to reunite with Trent Alexander-Arnold at the Bernabeu a year after the England right-back made a similar move, and one transfer insider has revealed just how drastically the situation changed over the past few weeks.
Konate had been open to joining Chelsea or Man United
Mark Brus reported for the Daily Briefing that Konate hadn’t ruled out the possibility of signing for either Chelsea or Manchester United before striking a ‘verbal agreement’ with Real Madrid, with his agents seemingly reaching out to other clubs even when he appeared likely to stay at Liverpool.
One source told the reporter: “The Konate situation has been pretty crazy. About a month ago it looked like he was engaging really positively with the idea of staying and signing a new deal with Liverpool. Real Madrid seemed to be out of the picture.
“At the same time, it seems his agents were keeping contacts alive, and that’s now led to a verbal agreement with Real Madrid. He was also open to Chelsea, Man United and Bayern.”
Want more Empire of the Kop coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust
The manner of Konate’s exit will sting for Liverpool fans
The thought that Konate’s agents may have been sounding out a potential free transfer to Stamford Bridge or Old Trafford whilst he was publicly indicating a likely stay at Liverpool must be nauseating for Kopites, who’ve now seen yet another first-team regular depart on a free transfer.
Whereas Mo Salah and Andy Robertson both declared in advance that they’d be leaving this summer, thus ensuring them a rousing farewell at Anfield in our final game of the season, the Frenchman teased the possibility of staying put before contract negotiations hit a fateful impasse.
The frustration for LFC is compounded by the loss of the 27-year-old in the peak years of his career, when the club should be able to reap a sizeable fee for an experienced defender who’s won the Premier League and is proven at an elite level.
Just think of how much it’d cost Liverpool to sign a player of similar experience and age profile who’d won major trophies and was playing for one of the foremost national teams in world football.
Alas, the Merseyside club will need to move on without Konate and ensure that impending new head coach Andoni Iraola is adequately stocked in every position throughout the squad by the time the summer transfer window shuts.
I am not in the least concerned that that he is leaving. Fact is I have seen his play deteriorate appreciably over the last 12 months. I always was suspicious that Konate was what I call a ‘sulk player’ so am pleased he is leaving.
Agree 100%. Also feel the clampdown on holding/grappling at corners and free kicks would affect him more than most as he is one of the most frequent offenders.
Glad to see the back of him
No ill feelings. Who knows he might come to regret his decision. Look at what is happening to TREND. At Liverpool he was SOMEBODY but now he can’t even make to England Squad on Friendly games.
Good riddance he couldn’t defend
Constantly fouling in dangerous positions
Needed planning permission to turn
We don’t need fraudsters
Konaté is a top-class defender. He’s the only defender who tackles attackers to win the ball back, unlike Van Dijk. His performance during his time at Sloter shouldn’t be judged solely on that period; he’s one of the players who experienced a dip in form. Ultimately, his departure is a huge loss for the club, and letting him go for free is a disaster in every sense of the word
True that, Mr. Yahya !
His agent was looking for the best deal he could get and in the end it all comes down to money. Konate was not honest with Liverpool supporters. He just stringed us along. Lessons need to be learned from this. Any player that refuses to sign a new contract with two years left should be put up for sale. And until he’s sold put into the reserves.
You don’t just leave it drag on and on and we get nothing for a player. Real Madrid get another one of our players . Konate and Arnold 10 million.
We are turning into a laughing stock.
Great negotiations from Edwards and Hughes.
He should’ve been sold last summer, after he first refused to sign a new contract. The writing was on the wall then. We would’ve given Palace enough time to sign a Guehi replacement.
He will not be missed.
Konate is a defensive liability. Players ghost past him regularly and his only defensive move is to push them over as he is too slow to catch them. Similar story at set piece defending – arms all around the player. He’s been like this all season; we are better off with out him.
Sad to see Ibou go. Especially for Nothing. I thought he would one day replace Virgil as Club Captain to marshal the Defense. Hope he has fun playing for Jose’ Mourinho !