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Liverpool Football Club seem to have hit a crossroad with another of their key players.

The recent decision of Trent Alexander-Arnold to run down his current deal and pursue a fresh challenge has received mixed reaction from the fanbase, but another familiar fault has arose in the club’s strategy of attempting to renew their main assets.

Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk’s extensions opened up a new element of surprise for Liverpool, with FSG traditionally adamant about avoiding bumper contracts for older players.

But in this case, the club recognised the need to compromise for their two most influential figures.

The fallout from Alexander-Arnold’s confirmed departure will continue to dominate discussion, but attention must turn swiftly to Ibrahima Konaté – a player whose future must not be left to drift into similar uncertainty as he is set to enter his final year at Anfield.

We will be discussing why Liverpool must avoid another contract setback with lessons fresh from their most recent saga.

A DEFENSIVE PILLAR

Since arrriving from RB Leipzig in 2021, Ibrahima Konaté has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most formidable centre-backs.

His blend of pace, physicality and composure has made him a natural partner for Virgil van Dijk and a crucial component of Liverpool’s defensive line.

At just twenty-six, Konaté’s best years are still to come and his profile perfectly suits Arne Slot’s system.

While his progress has occasionally been hampered by injuries, there is no denying of the Frenchman’s impact when fit.

Performances in key matches have shown a player capable of handling the biggest of stages, and in an era where top-class centre backs are a rarity, Liverpool must recognise the value they have and act quickly to secure it.

ATTENTION OF EUROPE’S ELITE

As Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation edges towards its critical phase, the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs have begun to shift towards the Liverpool defender.

With just a little over a year left on his current deal, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring his situation very closely.

For Madrid, they are hoping to continue their hot streak of securing world-class talent for nothing and Konaté is reportedly next in line.

They have identified the Frenchman as a potential target to strengthen their backline, alongside the likes of Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao.

PSG are in the market for defensive reinforcements and the Parisien-born could be tempted by his boyhood club.

Ibrahima Konaté in tussle with Bradley Barcola against PSG earlier this season.

Getty Images.

The UEFA Champions League finalists view Konaté as a perfect fit for their long-term defensive plans and would feel confident of securing a deal for the Liverpool man.

If the Anfield club is serious about offering a new contract, then they must act fast as allowing it to run down risks losing one of their most valuable assets to European rivals, who are both eager to pounce on any perceived weakness.

KONATÉ ON HIS FUTURE

Konaté’s current salary sees him sit on a reported £80,000 per-week, but the Frenchman would be keen to commit his future alongside a hefty pay-rise, in hope of becoming one of Liverpool’s top earners.

The defender is reportedly asking for around £200,000 to remain at Anfield, which would label him on a higher pedestal.

When speaking on his Liverpool future, the defender opted to keep his card close to his chest.

“New deal, this is a conversation with the club and we will see.”

LEARN FROM THE PAST

Ibrahima Konaté’s situation has reached it’s point where Liverpool cannot afford to delay.

The struggles over contract renewals in recent years have left the club vulnerable to losing key players in inopportune moments.

Key examples of this are Gini Wijnaldum, Thiago Alcantara, Roberto Firmino and now Trent Alexander-Arnold who will become the next to depart on a free-transfer.

John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images.

James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Divock Origi are further names who Liverpool have had to release, but these were under more understanding circumstances for club and the player.

These episodes have underlined a concerning trend that is Liverpool have often waited too long to secure long-term deals for their star players.

If they are to avoid further disruption with Ibrahima Konaté then they must adopt a more proactive approach with his long-term future now up for unwanted discussion.

Although, according to Lewis Steele, writer for the Daily Mail, there has remained ‘no progress’ since the defender first confirmed a contract offer from Liverpool was on the table – in January.

NOW OR NEVER

The club now have a huge decision on their hands and the prospect of Liverpool convincing Konaté to stay, hinges on their ability to offer him both security and ambition.

To keep him, the Reds must demonstrate their commitment not only through financial terms, but also by securing the right environment to maintain a competitive edge for years to come.

But, they could also be faced with the scenario of Konaté not wanting to commit to the club.

If the Frenchman decides a move away is his next option, then the sensible choice for Liverpool would be to cash in whilst there remains any sort of financial value tied up in the player.

Ibrahima Konaté is more than deserving of a new contract at Anfield and the hierachy need to ensure a deal is secured before the start of next season.

Tying Konate down for the long-term would end an ongoing issue of Liverpool allowing key assets to walk away for free, whilst bolstering their defensive strength ahead of any future signings.

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