Overview

• Ibrahima Konaté was withdrawn on 56 minutes in the defeat to Chelsea after feeling his quad, with Arne Slot calling the change precautionary and saying “alarm bells” went off.
• Talks over a new deal are active but not close, according to David Ornstein, with reports indicating the defender is seeking a significant pay rise.
• L’Equipe reports Liverpool have recently improved their offer and are confident of an agreement, while Spanish and French outlets say Real Madrid are in contact with his camp but have not made a formal offer.
• Liverpool are reported to be reluctant to sanction a January exit despite his dip in form, as rival clubs monitor the situation for a potential free transfer in 2026.
• An ACL injury to summer signing Giovanni Leoni and limited senior alternatives underscore Liverpool’s reliance on Konaté at centre-back.