15 hours ago
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Speculation over a potential free transfer of Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid has intensified after language-learning app Duolingo shared information about the Liverpool star.
The leading language app disclosed that he 'is a member of our Spanish Diamond League!' - one of the app's premier 'divisions' where users compete to showcase their progress. Many are interpreting Konate's efforts as groundwork for a move to Real Madrid, with his contract set to expire in six months.
Liverpool fans were less than thrilled when Trent Alexander-Arnold announced he had been studying Spanish for months prior to his own free transfer to Los Blancos being confirmed.
Maintaining a high rank on Duolingo allows users to qualify for the Diamond Tournament. The top 10 learners in the Diamond League qualify, so perhaps Reds supporters can find solace in the fact that Konate hasn't yet committed enough to reach that level.
Konate's contract at Anfield is due to expire next summer, and there's been little indication of an extension being signed. However, reports from France suggest Liverpool have put forward another contract offer and negotiations are reportedly underway.
Perhaps the Frenchman will be able to leverage his improving Spanish skills as a negotiation tool, given the ongoing rumours linking him with a move to the Bernabeu next summer. Konate is on Real Madrid's radar, and the Spanish heavyweights' interest will likely have been piqued following William Saliba's new deal at Arsenal.
At the very least, Konate might provide Alexis Mac Allister with some conversation in his mother tongue, following the summer departures of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez.
While Konate's Spanish language skills may be on the up, there could be worries about his form at Liverpool. The 26 year old has had a challenging time this season, notably struggling in a match against Galatasaray and facing tough games against Bournemouth and Newcastle.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has even felt compelled to comment on his performance. "I think he has things he can improve," he stated.
"But for him starting this season with a different full-back next to him probably is different as well. He and the team had Ryan Gravenberch in front of them for the first time against Newcastle.So I think it's partly also adjustment to each other. And partly, I think the biggest strength of Ibou is of course his defensive quality."
You could already see last season when he and Virgil were playing together, they mainly make sure Virgil doesn't get the ball, so he needs to bring the ball out of the back. ""That he does sometimes really, really, really good, but his consistency in that part is definitely something he can improve.
But that will also improve the more we work together. The more he's used to the right full-back next to him, the more he's used to the other players that are in front of him as well.".
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