Latest news with #Konate
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Liverpool Risk Losing Key Star Unless Contract Talks Progress Soon
Konate Contract Talks Stall as European Giants Circle Liverpool's determination to build a competitive squad under Arne Slot this summer could be overshadowed by uncertainty surrounding one of their most important players. According to Caught Offside, Ibrahima Konate's contract negotiations have hit a significant stumbling block, and with clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, and Al-Hilal circling, the clock is ticking. Advertisement 'Konate is reportedly demanding a weekly salary of around £200,000. However, Liverpool's management appears reluctant to meet those terms. If a new deal cannot be agreed by the end of the summer, the Merseyside club is prepared to offload the player for a fee in the region of €50–60 million,' the report states. Konate's current deal runs until 2026, but Liverpool have seen what can happen when renewal talks drift. The departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Madrid for free is still fresh and has made the Anfield hierarchy cautious. Concerns Over Another High-Profile Departure While Liverpool have made significant progress in refreshing the squad this summer, losing Konate would raise questions about defensive continuity, especially following the exits of key figures in previous windows. Advertisement The club reportedly views this transfer window as the cut-off point. They either extend his deal or accept an offer that reflects his value. Photo: IMAGO Sources close to the situation told Caught Offside that Liverpool are 'concerned' about a repeat of the scenario that saw Trent Alexander-Arnold depart for Real Madrid on a free transfer. That concern is justified. At 26, Konate is entering his peak years. He's physically dominant, comfortable on the ball, and one of the few defenders in the league capable of matching elite forwards stride for stride. Value vs. Risk in Liverpool's Summer Planning Konate has become central to Liverpool's backline since his arrival, forging a strong, if at times injury-interrupted, partnership with Virgil van Dijk. Slot will want to build around that stability, not risk it. Advertisement While the club has done well in early summer dealings, selling Konate would immediately shift priorities back to the heart of defence, a position where elite replacements are both scarce and expensive. Allowing him to enter the final two years of his contract without resolution would be a dangerous gamble. There's no shortage of interest, and once a player of Konate's calibre hits the market, clubs like PSG and Bayern are unlikely to wait for a discount. Room for Compromise Still Exists Liverpool's reluctance to meet £200,000 per week reflects their commitment to financial structure, a model that has served them well under FSG. But if they're to compete for the Premier League title again, keeping players like Konate becomes about more than wage policy. Photo: IMAGO Advertisement He remains 'one of the first names on the team sheet,' Caught Offside notes, and it's hard to imagine a version of Liverpool's title tilt without him. Still, compromise is essential. Whether it's through staggered incentives, loyalty bonuses, or a shorter-term extension, the club must find a way to avoid weakening the spine of the squad right before a crucial campaign. Our View – EPL Index Analysis For Liverpool fans, this feels like a familiar and frustrating scenario. A key player, loved by the fans, important to the team, yet somehow edging toward the exit due to financial deadlock. Konate isn't just a strong centre-back, he represents Liverpool's post-Klopp future. Young enough to grow under Slot, experienced enough to lead, and passionate enough to understand the demands of Anfield. Letting him go, even for €60 million, would send the wrong message at the wrong time. Advertisement The £200k wage figure is high, yes. But in the context of today's market, where defenders of similar quality are commanding huge fees and salaries, it's not outrageous. Van Dijk won't be around forever. Neither will Alisson. Keeping the next generation intact should be priority number one. If Konate walks because of a marginal wage dispute, fans will rightly question the club's long-term vision. It's not just about keeping good players, it's about showing that Liverpool remain a destination, not a stepping stone.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Real Madrid plot move for Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate
Real Madrid are reportedly working on a deal to sign Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer next summer. According to Spanish outlet Marca, the French defender is a top target for the La Liga champions. Advertisement Madrid have built a strong record of securing top players without paying transfer fees in recent years. They signed Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain last summer and have also acquired Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba for free. The Spanish club also brought in Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool this summer, although they had to pay €10 million to secure his services in time for the Club World Cup. They now plan to repeat that approach by targeting Konate as their next free-agent signing. He joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021 and has played a key role since then. He was an important part of the Reds' title-winning squad this season. Advertisement Konate's contract situation remains uncertain, with no clear talks of an extension at Liverpool. Knate heading into the prime of his career The 26-year-old is a regular member of the French national team and often features alongside Dayot Upamecano or William Saliba. Konate is renowned for his exceptional physical strength, speed and clever positioning. He is comfortable playing in a high defensive line and rarely loses control under pressure. Many people have compared him to Virgil van Dijk, especially for his ability to dominate one-on-one situations and win aerial duels. Konate is calm, confident, and can deliver accurate long passes from deep positions. With Madrid always on the lookout for smart business in the transfer market, a free move for Konate makes perfect sense.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ibrahima Konate drops new hint about Liverpool future after hitting out at 'completely fake' claims
Ibrahima Konate has dropped a new hint about his Liverpool future in a message to supporters after his 2024/25 season came to an end. The France international made 42 appearances for Arne Slot's side during the campaign, scoring two goals, as he helped the Reds win the Premier League title. Advertisement The 26-year-old has cemented his place as Virgil van Dijk's first-choice centre-back partner at Anfield, but his future is currently the subject of speculation. Konate's current contract is due to expire next summer while he is reportedly of interest to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. The defender confirmed back in January that he had been offered a new deal by Liverpool, but was not yet close to signing a new contract. READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold makes FSG claim and explains Liverpool exit decision - 'I am not going to say' READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold mum in tears as ex-Liverpool man sends Real Madrid message in fluent Spanish Advertisement Meanwhile, following the end of the Reds' Premier League season, he revealed his representatives had recently again sat down with the club bosses as he dismissed claims about his contract demands. But with Liverpool having just only lost Trent Alexander-Arnold at the end of his contract following a lengthy saga, uncertainty about Konate's Anfield future inevitably continues. But despite speculation, Konate has appeared to commit his future to the Reds for next season at least. The 26-year-old sent a message to Liverpool supporters on social media on Thursday as he declared 'Next season, we go again!' Advertisement He wrote on Instagram : 'What a season! Thank you to all the fans for the love and support this year. You've been amazing from start to finish. 'It's been a great season for me and for the club, so many special moments, and of course winning our 20th Premier League title… unforgettable! 'Now it's time to rest, enjoy the holidays, and come back even stronger (and you the fans because we'll need your energy and voice as well) 'Next season, we go again! #YNWA'. Konate had previously branded social media speculation around his contract negotiations with Liverpool as "completely fake'. "You know, I just want to say one thing: Everything you saw on social media is completely fake," Konate said following Liverpool's final game of the season . "I didn't even ask for something from the club. They made me an offer, and I replied to them with something, that is it. Advertisement "The rest (speculation) that I want to wait until the end...I want this, all of it is completely fake. And even the big journalists said in November I am very close to signing the deal. I was like: 'Ah, they have more information than me!?' "Because it was not true at that moment and that is why I was a little bit mad because it was not true at this moment. I knew at one moment people would think I didn't want to sign the contract but I was never close to signing it. We will see what will happen.'
The Star
07-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Feature: Chinese-built hydropower projects foster talent development in Cote d'Ivoire
by Xinhua writers Sun Yi, Zhang Jian ABIDJAN, June 7 (Xinhua) -- As the rainy season settles over southwestern Cote d'Ivoire, the Sassandra River swells with renewed vigor. In the early morning mist, workers in uniforms and hard hats move with purpose through the Gribo-Popoli Hydroelectric Power Plant, inspecting spillways, monitoring water levels, and checking equipment. Among them is 32-year-old Bassirou Konate, a quality inspector who began his career nearly a decade ago. "When I first joined the Chinese-built hydropower project, I could barely read the blueprints," Konate recalled. "But a Chinese mentor was assigned to me. Step by step, he taught me everything." Konate began his career in 2016 at the Soubre Hydroelectric Power Plant, a project also built by the Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina). Since then, he has contributed to several major infrastructure initiatives and become a key member of the team building the Gribo-Popoli hydropower plant. "What I learned in school was theory," he said. "It was these projects that gave me hands-on experience. Now, I can support my family. I see a future not only for myself but for my community." Situated on one of Cote d'Ivoire's major rivers, the Gribo-Popoli station is part of a series of hydropower projects. The Sassandra River, with its abundant flow and favorable elevation gradients, holds vast potential for renewable energy. After completing the Soubre Hydroelectric Power Plant in 2017, PowerChina saw all three generating units at Gribo-Popoli come online by November 2024, unlocking even more hydropower capacity for the country. Yet, the energy these projects generate extends beyond electricity -- it is also empowering the growth of local talent. Dozens of Ivorian workers who began their careers at Soubre, like Konate, have since stepped into critical roles at Gribo-Popoli as quality inspectors, technicians, and supervisors. Their growing expertise is powering a new chapter in national infrastructure, one driven not just by machines, but by the skilled hands of local professionals. Hou Bing, chief engineer of the Gribo-Popoli Hydroelectric Power Plant, said the project created roughly 2,000 direct jobs during its construction phase and supported an additional 1,000 through related industries. "These projects are more than worksites. They are schools, places where Ivorian workers gain skill and confidence," Hou noted. "Knowledge is passed on along with the trust between our peoples. Together, we are building not only dams but bridges of friendship." Yao Michel N'Guessan's story mirrors that of Konate. Fresh out of school when he joined the Soubre project, N'Guessan began with little more than textbook knowledge. "Chinese engineers taught me how to install and maintain electrical systems," he said. Through on-the-job training, he steadily mastered the complexities of construction. Today, he leads a construction team at Gribo-Popoli. "What I gained from my Chinese mentors wasn't just skills," he said. "They taught me discipline, responsibility, and precision. We're not just workers anymore. We're nation-builders." As night falls, lights flicker on across the Gribo-Popoli Hydroelectric Power Plant, casting a warm glow over the Sassandra River. The dam and power station stand not only as engineering feats but as enduring symbols of partnership between China and Cote d'Ivoire.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
PSG and Al-Hilal CIRCLE for Liverpool contract rebel
PSG and Al-Hilal circle for Konate The player admitted that talks were at a standstill, insisting that no deal was close to being agreed last season either. And now it's been suggested that a couple of suitors are in the frame for Konate in the shape of Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Hilal of the Saudi Pro League. Advertisement That's according to BBC Sport journalist Sami Mokbel, who claims talks remain ongoing with the club over a new deal. 'One name to keep an eye on is Ibrahima Konate,' he said. 'He is in talks over a new contract, but his existing deal expires at the end of next season. 'If an agreement can't be reached it will be interesting to see if Liverpool consider offers for the France international to avoid losing him for nothing in 2026. 'Paris Saint-Germain and Al Hilal are the clubs I've heard who have an interest in Konate. 'What happens with Konate could impact how Liverpool approach the futures of fellow centre backs Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez, who have Premier League interest.' © IMAGO Liverpool linked with several centre-backs We could see Liverpool lose Konate, Quansah and Gomez this summer as Hughes and head coach Arne Slot plot reinforcements in defence and elsewhere over the course of the summer market. Potential incomings include Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace and Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton. Arne Slot will be grateful to have Van Dijk secured to 2027 - because all around him in the centre-back position there is uncertainty.
