Another departure from Liverpool? Konate reportedly set to reject a new contract and make a move to PSG

TRANSFER UPDATE: PSG MAKES PROGRESS IN CHASE FOR LIVERPOOL'S IBRAHIMA KONATÉ AS CONTRACT DISCUSSIONS HIT A STALEMATE

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté is now leaning toward a summer move to Paris Saint-Germain, with talks over a new Anfield contract stalling amid growing interest from the French champions. The 24-year-old’s potential departure would mark another high-profile exit for the Reds, testing their defensive stability under new head coach Arne Slot.

PSG’s Growing Confidence

PSG have intensified efforts to sign Konaté, viewing him as a long-term successor to aging stalwarts Marquinhos (30) and Presnel Kimpembe (28). Sources in France claim the Parisians are prepared to table a bid upwards of £55 million, capitalizing on the uncertainty surrounding Konaté’s contract renewal. With his current deal expiring in 2026, Liverpool face pressure to either secure his future or negotiate a sale before his value declines.

Konaté’s representatives have reportedly held informal talks with PSG sporting director Luís Campos, who sees the French international as a cornerstone of Luis Enrique’s rebuilt defense. A return to Ligue 1—where Konaté began his career at Sochaux—could also enhance his visibility ahead of the 2026 World Cup, though his role in Didier Deschamps’ squad is already secure.

Liverpool’s Dilemma: Renew or Cash In?

Liverpool’s hierarchy, led by new sporting director Richard Hughes, remains publicly adamant about retaining Konaté. Privately, however, the club is weighing the risks of losing him for a reduced fee in 2025 versus leveraging PSG’s interest for immediate reinvestment. Konaté’s partnership with Virgil van Dijk has been pivotal, but injuries have limited him to just 22 Premier League starts in 2023/24, raising questions about his long-term reliability.

Anfield insiders suggest the defender’s wage demands—reportedly seeking parity with top earners like Mohamed Salah—have complicated negotiations. PSG, backed by Qatar’s sovereign wealth, are willing to triple his current £120,000-a-week salary, making a move financially irresistible.

Tactical Implications for Both Clubs

For PSG, Konaté’s blend of physicality, pace, and ball-playing prowess aligns with Enrique’s preference for defenders comfortable in high defensive lines. His ability to neutralize counterattacks would complement attacking fullbacks like Achraf Hakimi, addressing a weakness exposed in recent Champions League campaigns.

At Liverpool, Konaté’s departure would force Slot to accelerate plans for defensive reinforcement. Academy graduate Jarell Quansah (21) has shown promise, but the Reds are already scouting alternatives, including Feyenoord’s David Hancko and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi. Slot’s tactical flexibility—he occasionally deployed a back three at Feyenoord—could also soften the blow of losing Konaté.

Fan Reactions: Divided Loyalties

Liverpool supporters are split. While some argue Konaté’s potential sale mirrors the club’s pragmatic approach under FSG, others fear a repeat of last summer’s midfield exodus. Social media debates rage, with one fan stating, “Selling Konaté funds a world-class striker—maybe that’s the trade-off,” while another countered, “He’s the future of our defense. This is shortsighted.”

PSG fans, meanwhile, view Konaté as a statement signing who could help bridge the gap to Europe’s elite. “He’s a beast who’s proven himself in the Premier League. Perfect for the Champions League grind,” tweeted a prominent PSG supporter account.

What’s Next?

Konaté is expected to delay a final decision until after France’s Euro 2024 campaign concludes in mid-July. Liverpool will push for clarity before their preseason tour of the U.S., where Slot aims to finalize his squad. PSG, however, are ready to act swiftly, with Campos also monitoring RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba as a fallback option.

The Bigger Picture

For Liverpool, this saga underscores the challenges of competing with state-backed clubs offering inflated wages. Retaining Konaté would signal ambition under Slot, but a sale could fund moves for a marquee forward like Victor Osimhen or a creative midfielder such as Atlético Madrid’s Rodrigo De Paul.

For PSG, landing Konaté would mark another step toward assembling a younger, hungrier squad capable of conquering Europe—a stark shift from their past reliance on superstar forwards.