Liverpool Should Consider Selling Konate Amid Contract Stalemate, Says Stan Collymore
Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has suggested that the club should consider selling Ibrahima Konate this summer if he refuses to commit to a new contract. Collymore believes that better defensive options are available and that Konate is not indispensable.
Since joining from RB Leipzig in 2021, Konate has established himself as Virgil van Dijk’s main defensive partner. However, his future at Anfield is uncertain, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly interested in signing him.
The 26-year-old is entering the final year of his current deal and will be free to negotiate with overseas clubs starting January 1. Konate previously confirmed that Liverpool had offered him a contract extension, and recent talks have taken place, but no agreement has been finalized. According to The Guardian, the player is dissatisfied with the terms of the offer.
Collymore believes Liverpool shouldn’t hesitate to part ways if Konate doesn’t agree to renew.
“Konate isn’t as crucial to Liverpool’s plans as Van Dijk or Salah,” Collymore wrote in his CaughtOffside column. “Losing him would be a blow, but it’s not catastrophic. Liverpool can find and nurture better defenders. If he won’t accept a strong contract offer, they should move on.”
Liverpool are already exploring defensive options after selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £35 million. The club is reportedly interested in younger talents, with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi—who is also in the final year of his contract—among those being monitored.
While Collymore sees Guehi as a reliable option, he also urged the club to consider other English defenders.
“Guehi isn’t a direct replacement for Konate, but he adds flexibility in defense. He’s dependable and likely to feature regularly,” he said. “Still, I’m surprised Liverpool haven’t shown interest in Ezri Konsa, especially with Aston Villa facing financial pressure.”
