The newest report on Ibou Konate’s contract state of affairs has left us bracing for an additional uncomfortable déjà vu second, with Actual Madrid as soon as once more lurking within the background.
In response to Lewis Steele for Mail Sport, the French defender’s renewal talks have reached a “standstill”, regardless of Liverpool’s continued need to increase his deal.
Contract talks but to progress for Liverpool defender
“It’s now 9 months since Konate did a press convention at Anfield and mentioned he had been provided a brand new contract,” wrote Steele.
“It’s a 12 months since we reported talks had began over a recent deal.
“But right here we’re once more – the saga of a Liverpool participant out of contract in the summertime with Actual Madrid looming.
“All of it feels a bit acquainted to the Trent Alexander-Arnold problem this time final 12 months and everyone knows how that ended up.”
That comparability will sting for supporters and this time the membership can’t afford a repeat with the person many see as Virgil van Dijk’s long-term accomplice.
Konate’s present deal expires subsequent summer time, and though the membership opened discussions with Richard Hughes over a 12 months in the past, no settlement has adopted.
It’s a irritating growth given the 26-year-old’s rising affect at Anfield – particularly after his commanding efficiency within the Merseyside derby, the place he received 10 of his 13 duels and made extra clearances than any participant on the pitch.
Liverpool can’t afford to repeat previous errors
We’ve already seen what can occur when contract talks drag on too lengthy.
The Trent saga grew to become a distraction final season, and permitting Konate to method the ultimate months of his deal dangers historical past repeating itself.
His present kind has led to feedback from the likes of Conor Coady, displaying that this switch speak could possibly be affecting his performances.
With Giovanni Leoni out long-term and Marc Guehi’s summer time transfer collapsing late on Deadline Day, our defensive depth is already skinny.
Dropping one other key determine on a free can be a harmful blow each financially and on the pitch.
Steele insists that “nothing is completed but” however confirmed that Actual Madrid are monitoring the state of affairs carefully.
Now the membership should present the identical intent off the pitch and get this deal achieved earlier than it turns into one other expensive saga.
You possibly can watch Slot’s publish Chelsea press convention by way of Empire of the Kop on YouTube:
Be part of our channel of readers on WhatsApp to get the day’s high tales straight to your cell
