Agreement Reached for Ibrahima Konate as Liverpool Sends Strong Message to Real Madrid
Liverpoolโs Ibrahima Konate has been under fire this season amid the teamโs defensive issues, but former Premier League stars Conor Coady and Rio Ferdinand have publicly defended the French centre-back.
Both Coady and Ferdinand dismissed the criticism surrounding Konateโs recent performances, arguing that the scrutiny has been unfair. Liverpool, despite being reigning Premier League champions, have struggled defensively in recent weeks, inviting questions about their backline.
Konateโs form has been a key talking point, with Liverpool looking shaky at the back even after opening the campaign with five straight wins. With the 26-year-oldโs contract due to expire next summer, the club risks losing him for free, especially as Real Madrid have reportedly renewed their interest.
The Spanish giants have tracked Konate for some time, and reports suggest Xabi Alonsoโs side could once again exploit the free-agent market to secure his signature. Amid uncertainty over his Anfield future, Konate has struggled for consistency this seasonโmixing solid displays against Arsenal and Everton with costly mistakes versus Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Galatasaray.
Ferdinand believes speculation linking Konate to Madrid has made him an easy target for criticism.
โThereโs no way Konate suddenly became a poor player,โ Ferdinand argued. โItโs the Real Madrid links that have led to this negativity. When fans or pundits get frustrated, they start blaming him, even for minor errors. If a mistake occurs, heโs the one who gets singled out.โ
Liverpoolโs defensive lapses have overshadowed their late-goal heroics this season. The Reds have scored late equalisers in recent league matches only to concede decisive goals in stoppage timeโsuch as Estevao Willianโs winner last week, reminiscent of Eddie Nketiahโs strike the week before.
New signings Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have also faced criticism, while Conor Bradleyโs form has dipped. Coady suggested that Konateโs struggles stem largely from a lack of defensive support.
โFrom a centre-backโs point of view, I feel for him,โ Coady said. โHeโs being asked to defend in wide areas because players like Frimpong or Conor Bradley are out of position, or Szoboszlai isnโt covering in midfield. Opponents are exploiting that space, and Konateโs having to step out and defend like a right-backโwhich no centre-half wants to do.
โTrent used to move into midfield, and people said he couldnโt defend, but now the teamโs shape leaves that channel completely open. Konateโs being exposed in a huge area of the pitch, and thatโs not where a centre-back belongs.โ
