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When Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate were breaking through at RB Leipzig, it was the former, rather than the Liverpool star, who was seen as the bigger talent by many.
But the Reds felt differently. Upamecano has gone on to be a good center-back for Bayern Munich, operating at a high level, but there has been nothing to suggest that Konate was the wrong pick at Anfield, even if he early season form has been somewhat shaky.
Konate was poor against Crystal Palace, and it is often leveled at the Liverpool man that he needs Virgil van Dijk alongside him to excel. But he is a good player, and it is interesting that both French defenders are currently in a similar contract situation.
In the summer of 2026, at least as things stand, both Konate and Upamecano will be leaving their current clubs as free agents. There is still time for that to change, of course, but you could argue it is a sign that neither has quite fulfilled their potential yet.
Both players would be in line for substantial salary increases and both are, in theory at least, heading into their prime years. Yet neither has consistently performed at a truly world-class level for a long period of time.
If Konate does pen new terms with Liverpool, it isn't going to be on a Van Dijk-like level salary.
Because of their contracts, you can expect plenty of links with moves for both players in the coming months. This week, it was Upamecano's turn to be linked with Liverpool (at some point, Konate will presumably be touted as an option for Bayern Munich).
According to Sports Boom, Upamecano is demanding a release clause worth around $169 million (£125 million) in any contract that he signs with the Bundesliga club. Liverpool, Real Madrid, and PSG are all said to be circling.
Bayern Munich's stance has already been made clear by sporting director Max Eberl. "We’re having open discussions, especially with Dayot Upamecano," he said recently. "It’s no big secret that we have a strong desire to extend his contract."
At Liverpool, talks have also taken place with Konate's representatives, though nothing is agreed yet, and the more time passes before that changes, the bigger the feeling that he could be on the move will grow.
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Add in Marc Guehi, who was excellent for Crystal Palace on Saturday as it beat Liverpool thanks to a late goal from Eddie Nketiah, and it could be a summer of center-backs moving for nothing.
In the meantime, you can expect the links and the claims involving those seeking improved salaries to keep on coming. Upamecano was this week; Konate and Guehi will soon have their turn in the coming months.
Liverpool.com says: Konate would ideally sign a new contract at Anfield as there are not loads of elite center-back options out there. Guehi is one, of course, and we know that Liverpool wants him. Right now, the England ace would appear to be an upgrade.
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