Ibrahima Konate sent Real Madrid transfer message as Liverpool approach questioned
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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCLiverpool defender Ibrahima Konate continues to be linked with a free transfer move to Real Madrid in the summerIbrahima Konate has been told his inconsistent performances for Liverpool could be threatening his chance of a move to Real Madrid in the summer. Konate is out of contract at the end of the season and, with no progress having been made over a new deal, is only seven weeks away from being able to talk to clubs from abroad over a potential free transfer.Real Madrid, who continue to be linked with the France international, have made a habit in recent years of signing leading players from rival clubs for nothing, although they were ultimately compelled to cough up £8.5million to take Trent Alexander-Arnold from Anfield in June just a month from the end of his deal.Konate was well below par in Liverpool's dreary 3-0 Premier League defeat at Manchester City on Sunday having impressed only five days earlier in the home Champions League victory over Real Madrid.READ MORE: Liverpool midfielder drops major hint over swift return after summer transferREAD MORE: Arne Slot faces tough Ibrahima Konate decision as Liverpool consider major changeAnd while Liverpool legend John Barnes does not believe the 26-year-old should bear any greater share of the blame for the Reds poor form this season, he fears the centre-back's erratic form could soon count against him.“Ibrahima Konate’s performances reflect the inconsistency of Liverpool as a team currently," said Barnes.
"If he’s looking at a potential move to Real Madrid, he needs to start playing well enough so they’ll want to buy him!"As far as the narrative around players’ heads turning when their contract starts to run down, some players handle it differently to others. For example, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Roberto Firmino gave 100% effort when they were playing before they left the club."Konate is a good player who is going through a difficult period - like the whole team - so I don’t think you can single him out more than anyone else.”Speaking to Video Gamer, Barnes has also defended the performances of £116million summer signing Florian Wirtz and has called on Liverpool boss Arne Slot to tweak his system to get more out of the Germany international.“I think Florian Wirtz has been very good so far,” he said.
"His movement and awareness have been great."However, Arne Slot will need to adopt a more defensive approach, and that will mean that Liverpool can’t have both full-backs attacking at the same time. It also means that Wirtz and the other midfield players will have to defend better in transition, and protect the back four better.“It’s about finding the right balance and giving time to Liverpool’s new players to adapt to a new style of play."It would’ve been great if they hit the ground running and continued their form from last season, but obviously things haven’t quite gone to plan recently.”