Liverpool have been advised to sell Ibrahima Konate this summer if he refuses to commit to a new contract, according to former club-record signing Stan Collymore, who believes there are superior defenders available.
Since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2021, Konate has become Virgil van Dijk’s preferred centre-back partner. However, his future remains uncertain amid reported interest from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
The 26-year-old is entering the final year of his Liverpool contract and can negotiate pre-contract deals with foreign clubs starting January 1.
Konate revealed earlier this year that Liverpool had offered him a contract extension, with his agent recently holding further talks with the club.
Yet, no agreement has been reached, and The Guardian reported that Konate was unhappy with the structure of Liverpool’s latest offer.
Collymore has urged the club to let Konate leave if he declines to sign, emphasizing that he does not hold the same importance as Van Dijk or Mohamed Salah—both of whom signed extensions after lengthy negotiations during the final months of their contracts last April.
“Ibrahima Konate isn’t as vital to Liverpool as Virgil van Dijk or Mohamed Salah,” Collymore wrote in his CaughtOffside column. “Losing him would sting slightly, but not drastically.
“There are better defenders worldwide that Liverpool can discover and develop.
“And if Konate isn’t willing to accept a very competitive Liverpool wage package, then the club should let him go.”
Liverpool are already searching for a new centre-back following Jarell Quansah’s £35 million move to Bayer Leverkusen.
The club appears to be targeting a younger defender with high potential, while Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, also entering the final year of his contract, is on their radar.
Collymore regards Guehi as a solid signing but suggests Liverpool should also consider other England internationals.
“Guehi wouldn’t be a like-for-like replacement for Konate,” he said, “but he offers versatility across the backline.
“He’s a dependable club player, likely to perform consistently and feature regularly throughout the season.
“However, I’m surprised Liverpool aren’t looking at Ezri Konsa, especially given Aston Villa’s financial difficulties.”
