Real Madrid have informed Liverpool of their final decision to sign Ibrahima Konate as 2026 approaches.
Arne Slott reveals ‘conversations’ with Liverpool hierarchy
Arn Slott’s dream move to Anfield began with him winning the Premier League title in his debut season, but since then he has endured the ultimate nightmare. The Reds have been historically poor, losing nine of their last 12 games, and serious questions are starting to be asked about the Dutchman’s tenure.
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Liverpool are a club that has never made a sacker, but recent reports have leaked names such as Ange Postecoglou and Andoni Iraola as pressure continues to mount on Slot. However, it remains to be seen whether Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes decide to pull the trigger on either of these names.
Slott spoke out on the matter, revealing a conversation he had with Liverpool’s senior management, telling the team to “keep fighting” in the face of a dismal run of results.
“We’ve been having the same conversation since I’ve been here. We’re going to keep fighting. We’re going to try to get better.”
“We try to find the answer to what it takes to win football matches, but ultimately it’s about achieving the objectives of this club. We have to keep fighting, we have to fight together.”
“But it would be nice to be able to reward ourselves the moment we play well. People rightly focus on the areas where we haven’t played well.
Next up, the Premier League champions face West Ham United, who desperately need three points. This is a must-win match for Slott, who will have the support of the club hierarchy for a long time.
Ahead of the trip to the London Stadium, Liverpool’s priority should be to resolve their defensive issues, starting with getting Konate fit in just days after being informed of Real Madrid’s final transfer decision.
Real Madrid inform Liverpool of Konate’s final decision
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Real Madrid have now informed Liverpool that they are not interested in signing Konate, despite rumors that they are planning to sign the Frenchman when his contract ends next summer.
The Reds looked destined to re-sign Trent Alexander-Arnold, but Konate appears to have given up on a move to the Bernabéu next summer, leaving the ball firmly in Liverpool’s court.
The big question is whether the two parties can reach an agreement on a new contract. Konate’s recent form has left him in a weak negotiating position, but there is no doubt that he is a key member of an in-form slot backline.
The Frenchman, who was described as “phenomenal” by former Manchester City star Micah Richards last season, must get back to his best if Liverpool are to turn around their torrid form.
He is one of two fully fit central defenders and Joe Gomez is not yet ready to replace him, so he has no choice but to play himself into shape, especially if he wants a pay rise from his current £70,000-a-week contract.
