Saudi-linked Liverpool star reacts as Al-Ahli finalise major agreement

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(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media, Imago) Thu 18 December 2025 14:00, UK Liverpool could be set for a potentially pivotal January transfer window as they aim to turn their season around.Arne Slot has been under pressure of late, as a poor run of form across October and November has left the Reds sitting a distant seventh in the Premier League table at the 16-game mark.Slot has had his position at Liverpool scrutinised heavily in recent weeks, despite the fact that he led the team to title glory in his debut campaign in English football last time out. The centre-back has seen his performances heavily criticised by Liverpool supporters during the team’s recent disappointing run, and it now seems almost inevitable that he is nearing the end of his time at the club.

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Konate has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid and PSG of late, while Saudi Arabian clubs were understood to be “alert” to his situation in the summer, according to TeamTalk.With that in mind, speculation of a move to the Middle East is likely to rife after Konate’s latest action on social media. Ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy shared his delight on Instagram after penning a new deal with Al-Ahli on Wednesday, and Konate responded by liking the post, effectively giving his seal of approval to the move.Arne slot to be quietly pleased by Konate exitFormer Manchester United scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on Thursday that Slot has been frustrated with Konate’s displays of late, and that could completely alter his view towards the 26-year-old.The former RB Leipzig man has been viewed as one of the Premier League’s best defenders since his arrival in 2021, but that hasn’t been the case in recent weeks.

It is understandable that Slot feels somewhat let down by the drop-off from some of his most reliable senior stars of late, and Konate certainly falls into that bracket. Virgil van Dijk is also potentially nearing the end of his career at the top level, and if Konate were to leave, then it could soon leave Liverpool with a blank canvas at the heart of the defence.