Few players have seen their stock plummet as dramatically as Ibrahima Konaté’s over the past year.
The Frenchman had deservedly earned his place among Europe’s elite centre backs at his peak, proving the perfect partner for Virgil van Dijk in Liverpool’s defence, but an extraordinary and swift decline has harmed his reputation.
Konaté’s stellar form had drawn significant transfer interest from Real Madrid, who appeared set to repeat their Trent Alexander-Arnold trick by signing the Liverpool defender on a free transfer next summer when his contract expires. However, the Spanish giants have reportedly pulled out of the race for his signature.
Madrid’s snub is no surprise. The 26-year-old’s performances over recent months have been largely dismal, with only a smattering of competent displays. Amid Liverpool’s ongoing disaster this season, he’s been one of those most culpable. Konaté’s head was turned by transfer talk and now he faces an uncertain future.
So, what next for the Liverpool centre back? Here are the three most likely possibilities.
