Hugo Ekitike has reportedly jokingly implored Ibrahima Konate to accept a contract offer from Liverpool.
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However, ultimately there appears to be only one direction going forward at the moment, with reports confirming that the centre-back will leave the Reds on a free transfer this summer.
Could Ibrahima Konate make a U-turn on his contract?
Ekitike was seen leaving the following comment on the former RB Leipzig star’s Instagram account: “Please sign it brother.”
Personally, I don’t see this as an indication that the French centre-half may still change his mind.
Liverpool are not a team that will bend over and over again to keep talent in the squad, even if it clearly hurts the team’s plans for next season.
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However, there is no doubt that there is considerable desire within the team to retain such a key player.
Liverpool fans will agree with Hugo Ekitike
Speaking as a die-hard Liverpool fan, I strongly believe that parting ways with Ibou Konate ahead of an important summer season would be, frankly, pure foolishness.
Now, we appreciate that the club’s intention was to sign the Frenchman to a new contract. They are also said to have reportedly offered the defender and his team a sizable contract.
However, failing to manage the situation and identify potential market opportunities (like Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi) means that Liverpool are very likely to be forced to spend money on reinforcements.
And we’re not talking about Wataru Endo or replacing the injury-prone Joe Gomez. Konate is objectively a £50m to £60m footballer. Therefore, it would have been in the very best interest of the club for him to sign a new contract.
Unfortunately for Liverpool, the number five does not believe it is in his best interests to sign a contract on the table.
