Ibrahima Konate’s performance declines, Madrid is no longer interested, a blessing for Liverpool

Gilabola.com – Liverpool are reportedly getting closer to reaching a new deal with Ibrahima Konate after Real Madrid withdrew their interest, a decision that came as the defender’s form declined and his chances of a move to the Bernabeu disappeared.

Internal sources explained that Konate had actually given the green light to move, but his recent poor performance had made Madrid look for other targets, while Liverpool were starting to see opportunities to keep him.

Konate is in the final season of his contract at Anfield and a negotiation process that has lasted more than a year has made Liverpool prepared to lose the defender for free. The situation is even more critical because Konate is reportedly interested in the Madrid project and is willing to move in the summer.

However, declining performance changed the story. Repeated errors in several matches affected Madrid’s outlook, which then ended their long-term interest.

Madrid are now reportedly turning to Dayot Upamecano as their priority. Konate’s former colleague at RB Leipzig is considered more consistent, so the Spanish club no longer sees Konate as the main candidate.

The impact for Liverpool and Konate’s negotiating position

Dean Jones explained that Real Madrid’s step back gave Liverpool a new opportunity. He revealed that Konate had indeed been ‘tempted’ by the possibility of moving, but Madrid is known to quickly change plans if they think their target no longer meets the criteria.

He also explained that this decision automatically weakened Konate’s position in contract negotiations. Liverpool are said to have a certain ceiling on their offer, and the disappearance of major rivals means Konate are no longer in the pressing position they once were.

Even though there are still other clubs that could be destinations, Liverpool are said to not want this process to drag on because some supporters are starting to get tired of the uncertainty of their future.

Konate continues to say that his focus is completely on helping Liverpool get out of the negative trend. He demonstrated that in his comments to local media, when he stressed that the team must accept the difficult situation and work hard to improve it.

The 26 year old player stated that criticism, especially when performance and results do not meet expectations, is normal and he and the team will try to recover for the sake of the supporters.

Slots gave a similar response. He considered that even though the team’s standards had dropped, he did not feel let down by the players. He said that big pressure always accompanies big clubs and difficult situations must be faced together.

Konate’s future situation now seems clearer than in the previous few weeks. With Real Madrid walking away, Liverpool have a real chance of keeping him, while the defender must prove that he is still worthy of being part of the club’s long-term project.