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Liverpool contract rebel Ibrahima Konate has joked that Kylian Mbappe calls him every two hours over a move to Real Madrid.
The defender has entered the final year of his deal at Anfield and can sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs in January.
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The 26-year-old has established himself as Virgil van Dijk’s chief centre-back partner since joining from RB Leipzig in 2021.
However, Konate is into the final 12 months of the five-year deal he signed with the Reds and has attracted interest from elsewhere.
Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and clubs in Saudi Arabia have all been touted as potential suitors for the Frenchman.
Konate attempted to keep his situation tight-lipped on international duty, but couldn’t resist joking once the topic of his future arose.
During a yes/no segment on the French TV show, Téléfoot, host Séverine Parlakou inquired: “The Spanish media reports you might be heading to Real Madrid next season. Is Kylian Mbappé nudging you to join?”
“He calls me every two hours!”, the Liverpool star laughed in response, having also denied that he has already learnt Spanish.
For Arne Slot, though, Konate’s future is no laughing matter, having already lost one key defender to the Spanish giants this summer.
Liverpool couldn’t keep hold of vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold after he similarly rejected new deals to head to Madrid..
talkSPORT understands the Reds did bank £10million despite the right-back departing upon the expiration of his contract.
Konate, meanwhile, who has featured 136 times in all competitions since joining in 2021, could now follow in his footsteps next season.
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Ibrahima Konate yes/no transcript
Michael Olise is the worthy successor of Antoine Griezmann for France? Yes, I hope.
Is Dayot Upamecano one of the best defenders in the world right now? Yes
How is his neck after his goalsaving header vs. Ukraine: “I’m used to it. A backward header.”
Does he want to play with Paul Pogba for France? Yes
Does he want to play with Bixente Lizarazu? (Laughs) “It’s my dream” presenter responds: “But I’m too late, I’m done.”
Is it true that you speak Spanish? No. Parlakou: Hablas Español? No.
The Spanish press is sending you to Real Madrid next season. Kylian Mbappé is putting a bit of pressure on you to come? He calls me every two hours.
Regarding Liverpool’s upcoming match against Marseille in the Champions League at the Velodrome, are you feeling anxious? No, but we’re aware that the Velodrome presents challenges. We thrive in such atmospheres. We truly enjoy them.
Hugo Ekitike is going to wreak havoc in the Premier League – Yes, I hope so. Yes.
With this being Didier Deschamps’ final season as France’s manager, are you feeling saddened by it? Yes, in some ways, but not entirely. If it’s his choice, I’m supportive. It’s a well-considered decision for him. Hence, I’m also content for him.
Will Ousmane Dembélé win the Ballon d’Or on September 22nd? Yes.
Is that right for you? Yes.
Will Konate win the Ballon d’Or one day? Yes, yes, yes!
On Manu Koné being underrated: “Yes, we don’t talk about him enough. We see him, but we don’t talk about him enough.“
Planning to present Deschamps with the World Cup as a farewell gesture? Firstly, we’d need to qualify. I hope so—yes, definitely. We’re putting in our best efforts.
Did you lie during this interview? Yes
When we spoke Spanish? I lied, but not on this question.
I’m telling you, he lied on this question. He speaks Spanish very well. He speaks Spanish very well
‘That tells me Konate’s leaving’
He is a Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield and two-time Carabao Cup winner with the Merseyside outfit.
Liverpool have already hinted at their succession plans for Konate, having targeted central defenders heavily this summer.
“If Liverpool are in for Marc Guehi, that signals to me that Konate is more on the side of leaving,” Jermaine Pennant told talkSPORT.
“I’m considering if this resembles the situation with Real Madrid and Trent Alexander-Arnold, where Liverpool advises Guehi to complete his contract and assures him of future opportunities.”
“Because Konate is in the same situation, he’s in the last year of his contract and they haven’t agreed a deal.
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“Therefore, Liverpool might be telling him, ‘Look, with Konate leaving at the season’s end, Marc Guehi, finish your contract and then join us on a free transfer. We’re ready to offer you this opportunity.’”
Ultimately, the Premier League champions’ move for Crystal Palace captain Guehi fell through in a huge twist on deadline day.
A deal sheet for a £35m switch to Liverpool had even been submitted, yet the Eagles’ lack of replacement saw the club pull the plug.
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Liverpool could switch to a back-three
Slot’s men retain an interest in signing Guehi at a later date, while they did complete a £26m transfer for Giovanni Leoni.
The 18-year-old, who has already been named the heir to the Van Dijk throne, will take this season to bed in with a greater role next year.
Discussing Leoni’s potential pathway at Anfield, Troy Deeney told talkSPORT: “He’ll play enough games this year to adapt and get used to living in Liverpool and the pressures because it is a different pressure, right?
“But I think next year, with [Ibrahima] Konate going, it’s a seamless [transition]…I can see Liverpool playing three at the back.”
