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Ibrahima Konate's long-term Liverpool future remains shrouded in uncertainty, with his contract ticking into its final year. But that hasn't stopped him signing a new deal away from the pitch, with the defender joining the Under Armour roster.
The more superstitious Liverpool fans might view it as an omen, although whether positive or negative is open to interpretation. Trent Alexander-Arnold previously had a long-standing deal with Under Armour, but switched to Adidas before ultimately making the move to Real Madrid this summer.
And the former Reds full-back is not only relevant to the situation because of how he ran his contract down. Just like in the Alexander-Arnold case, Real Madrid has shown an interest in Konate, with suggestions that it could even push for a move this summer.
That's certainly a situation to monitor in what remains of the transfer window. But in the meantime, this new deal is a reminder of Konate's growing status within the game.
Although competition is fierce within the French defense, Konate has amassed 23 caps. Crucially, he was also at the heart of Arne Slot's defense alongside Virgil van Dijk as Liverpool lifted the Premier League.
So it's little wonder brands were eager to snap him up. Under Armor boasted that it has partnered with "one of the sport's best defenders".
As for Konate, he signaled his intentions to kick on again from here. Slot will hope that development happens in a Liverpool jersey.
"I'm proud to be representing Under Armour, a brand with a history deeply rooted in performance and innovation, that shares the same drive, mentality and values as me," Konate said when the news was announced.
"I am a big fan of the edge they are bringing in football and I look forward to taking my career to the next level with them, both on and off the pitch."
That theme of "on and off the pitch" was echoed by Kevin Ross, the Under Armour EMEA Managing Director. He noted Konate's outspoken personality and great sense of style, along with his toughness and leaership.
Federico Chiesa and Ryan Gravenberch would not necessarily agree with the style point. They both declined to name Konate as the most stylish in the squad in a recent club video, remarking on some of the "crazy" outfits sported by the French national team.
But in any case, any brand would certainly be lucky to have Konate as an ambassador. Under Armour intends to launch the partnership by including the defender in an upcoming "Be The Problem" campaign.
This is set to launch tomorrow, coinciding with Liverpool's Premier League opener. It will portray Konate as a "feared defender taking pride in spoiling parties".
It will be Bournemouth looking to spoil the party at Anfield. Andoni Iraola has seen almost the entirety of his own defense get dismantled this summer, but Slot warned that he is expecting an intense test nonetheless.
Barring any late setbacks, Konate will likely be tasked with repelling the Cherries. Part of the league's second-meanest defense last season, he will be hoping to go one better this time around.
Let's hope that this new deal is the first of two. Under Armor might be a little biased now, but they are not wrong: Konate is one of the best around.
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