Ibrahima Konate's thoughts on Dayot Upamecano as Liverpool linked to Bayern man

Dayot Upamecano is reportedly "waiting" for Liverpool and Real Madrid as Bayern Munich sets a deadline, with Ibrahima Konate once asked to compare the defender to Virgil van Dijk

Ibrahima Konate was once asked to compare Dayot Upamecano with Virgil van Dijk(Image: Getty Images)

Ibrahima Konate once dismissed comparisons between Liverpool-linked Dayot Upamecano and Virgil van Dijk.

According to reports in Germany, Bayern Munich's Upamecano, whose contract expires in the summer, is "waiting" for the Reds and Real Madrid. With contract negotiations stalled, Bayern has set the Frenchman a February deadline to make a decision on his future.

The Spanish team has also been linked with Konate, whose Liverpool deal runs out at the end of the season, with discussions continuing over prolonging his time at Anfield. Should those discussions conclude with a new deal, he and Upamecano could potentially form the Reds' long-term center-back partnership as Van Dijk approaches the end of his distinguished career.

Not that Konate would contemplate ruling out his captain.

The Frenchman holds immense respect for the 34-year-old leader, highlighted by his response when asked to draw parallels between Van Dijk and Upamecano back in 2023.

"What kind of question is that?" he replied via TNT Sport. "You can't compare the two. With Upamecano, we are in the same category, even if he is a very high competitor.

Dayot Upamecano's contract is nearly up(Image: Getty Images)

"But Van Dijk, I put him on a different planet. We're still a long way from achieving what he did.

"Although we will get there one day, I have no doubt."

Whether they remain Liverpool teammates in the long term is yet to be determined. Konate spoke about his contractual situation back in November, stating: "I've seen a lot of things in the press recently, like Liverpool have made me a new offer.

"I don't know where that's coming from. My agents are continuing discussions with Liverpool.

"I hope my decision will be made very soon so I can announce it."

Konate's inconsistent performances during the opening months of this campaign prompted speculation that uncertainty surrounding his future was taking its toll, especially after Real Madrid, a team that has long admired the center-back, informed Liverpool that it had no intention of signing him on a free transfer.

To his credit, Konate's displays did show signs of improvement after those early-season struggles.

At present, the 26-year-old's attention is on personal matters following the death of his father. But he is in contention to play in Liverpool's next Premier League game against Newcastle on Saturday.