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Liverpool ace Ibrahima Konate has confessed to being "too afraid" to spend lavishly due to concerns about backlash from his siblings. The France center-back, who finds himself at the source of transfer links with Real Madrid, has maintained disciplined financial habits despite his success.
Konaté's $93,000-a-week deal with Liverpool expires next summer, and Real are keen to secure his signature on a free transfer. This development could result in the defender, who is supposedly keen to extend his stay, signing an even more rewarding contract with the Spanish powerhouse.
Despite the ambiguity surrounding his future, Konaté remains determined not to commit to any extravagant purchases. And he has credited his humble approach to his brothers' influence.
"I became the player I am today thanks to each one of them", said Konate. "From my first steps at Paris Université Club 20 years ago to Liverpool, they have always been a fundamental help.
"I didn't spend anything at all on hedonistic and personal pleasures. No new car, no clothes, no shoes. Nothing. I was too afraid they'd tell me I'd changed."
While his brothers assisted in controlling his expenditure during his career's formative years, Konaté acknowledged they eventually urged him to indulge himself slightly. Although he may have gone overboard.
"I'm not going to lie to you: I overdid it a bit, especially with clothes," he continued. "You have no idea how much footballers need them [family].
"Many people, more or less well-intentioned, roam around us. Ninety-five per cent of them come because I'm Konate, the football player, and not Ibrahima, the person.
"They want to take advantage of my fame, but they don't really care about me (...) As soon as someone wants to approach me, they filter them out."
The 26-year-old France international launched his professional football journey with Sochaux before transferring to Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig. The defender delivered an outstanding 95 appearances for the German side prior to his Anfield arrival in 2021.
Following his switch, he has accumulated an exceptional 142 appearances for the Reds. That has also seen him contribute to their triumphs in the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup during his tenure at the club.
Nevertheless, this campaign could feasibly mark his final season with Liverpool should he opt against extending his contract. Meanwhile, Konaté's recent absence from France international duty due to injury has presented Liverpool boss Arne Slot with a slight concern to address.
A statement issued by the France national team on Saturday confirmed: "Injured in the right quadriceps during his last match with Liverpool, Ibrahima Konate has followed a treatment and protocol since his arrival this Monday but will not be able to take his place against Iceland."
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