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The combination of the Club World Cup and a Richard Hughes masterclass meant that Liverpool ultimately netted a surprisingly decent fee for someone with a month left on his contract, but it was still a far from ideal departure for a player who was meant to be important at Anfield for years to come.

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That's what Glen Johnson has urged Liverpool to do.

"Football is a business but it's crazy that a player at that age and ability can leave on a free," Johnson said of Konate, speaking to AceOdds.com.

"Ideally, Liverpool would cash in now, but when Real Madrid comes knocking and the player wants to go, what can you do?"

As with Alexander-Arnold, it seems Real Madrid is the most likely suitor.

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid battles for possession with Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool.

Liverpool would want more like $54 million (£40 million), but Johnson thinks it is vital to sell now — assuming Konate allows it.

"He can refuse to move, sit and wait," Johnson conceded.

For Liverpool and other teams you have to cash in sooner because it will cost a fortune to replace Konate."

However, Liverpool may have plans to find a Konate replacement on the cheap.