1 month ago
13
John Barnes has raised doubts over whether Real Madrid would be keen on signing Ibrahima Konate given his current run of form.
The Frenchman’s performances have been inconsistent this season and have fluctuated between outstanding and diabolical over the first 18 matches of the term. He was awful once again in Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City, just days after impressing in the win over Real Madrid.
That has been the story of Konate’s campaign, and the number of high-profile errors has become a recurring problem for Liverpool. Some have also interpreted that as a sign his head has been turned by a possible summer transfer.
Real is reportedly keen on securing Konate’s services for free at the end of the season when his contract expires, as was the case last summer with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Despite Konate’s importance to Arne Slot - the center-back has started all 15 Premier League and Champions League matches this season - the club is yet to reach an agreement on contract talks.
Konate could even begin negotiations with overseas clubs in just seven weeks’ time, when his contract officially enters its final six months.
But Barnes, the former Liverpool winger, has warned a move to the Spanish capital could be off the table unless his performances start to improve.
“Ibrahima Konate’s performances reflect the inconsistency of Liverpool as a team currently,” the Reds legend told Video Gamer.
“If he’s looking at a potential move to Real Madrid, he needs to start playing well enough so they’ll want to buy him.
“As far as the narrative around players’ heads turning when their contract starts to run down, some players handle it differently to others,” Barnes continued.
“For example, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Roberto Firmino and Jordan Henderson all gave 100 percent effort when they were playing before they left the club.
“Konate is a good player who is going through a difficult period - like the whole team - so I don’t think you can single him out more than anyone else.”
Should Konate join Real, he would continue the club’s recent tradition of signing players for free. In addition to Alexander-Arnold, Kylian Mbappe, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger have moved to the Bernabeu for nothing upon their deals elsewhere expiring.
However, the latest reports from France have indicated Liverpool remains confident of Konate extending his current terms. L’Equipe claims the Reds will do “what is necessary” to tie the 26-year-old down to a new deal.
English (US) ·