Liverpool learn stance on £70k-p/w “monster” amid fresh talks

Liverpool are currently plagued by problems and poor performances, with Arne Slot under extreme pressure to turn the tide before it’s too late.

The Reds are in some of their worst form in 70 years, losing once again when they hosted PSV Eindhoven at Anfield in the Champions League this week.

The slump follows an incredible domestic run last season, which saw Slot win the Premier League title in his first campaign in charge.

However, Liverpool are now a long way from the joy and celebration that swept across Merseyside just six months ago, and instead face a growing fear of the unknown.

At present, it is believed that the former Feyenoord boss’s job is not under immediate threat, as the club is keen to give him a chance to turn things around despite mounting issues across the pitch.

One area that has taken the brunt of the criticism is the defence. Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk have long been the solid and trusted centre-back partnership.

However, they too have fallen victim to the huge drop in standards and have conceded a shocking ten goals in their last three games against Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and PSV.

Van Dijk remains the talisman of the team as club captain and has spoken openly about the struggles, yet speculation surrounding Konate’s future continues to grow after he rejected several contract offers.

The France international is out of contract in the summer, and it has long been reported that he would join his former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid once his time on Merseyside was up.

However, a fresh report from The Athletic’s David Ornstein this morning suggested that Los Blancos are no longer pursuing Konate, and that new contract talks at Liverpool are imminent.

In a post on X, Ornstein revealed:

“Real Madrid considered Ibrahima Konate but inform Liverpool they have no interest in signing France int’l. 26yo’s unresolved #LFC contract situation could still go either way.”

There is no doubt Konate hasn’t been at his best in recent months, but he is not alone in that, and there is still time for a revival.

The £70k-per-week Frenchman – once hailed a “monster” by journalist Martin Mosnier – joined the Reds in 2021 from RB Leipzig and has, until now, been an undeniable part of their success.

The club clearly want to keep hold of Konate given their repeated attempts to extend his stay, though fresh negotiations may depend on whether Liverpool can meet his expectations, and whether they sign another centre-back.

Interest in Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi continues to dominate headlines after Liverpool failed to secure him in the summer, and the January window provides another chance to get the deal over the line.

His arrival could see Konate fall out of favour in the starting eleven if Guehi settles quickly alongside Van Dijk, potentially marking a decisive moment for the Frenchman’s future at the club.

With that being said, the coming months will be tense for Liverpool fans both on and off the pitch, with desperation for change growing as the season edges towards its defining stages.

Rebekka Arnold is an experienced writer with a strong background in digital media, PR and football journalism.

Since 2021, Rebekka has written opinion pieces and match reaction content for Football Fancast, part of the Snack Media network, building on her growing presence in the football community through viral Twitter content and podcasting.

Now at Transfer Tavern, Rebekka brings her sharp eye for analysis and deep passion for the game to deliver engaging football opinion and breaking transfer news content.