Ibrahima Konaté has been linked to Real Madrid multiple times (Credits: Imago Images)
Despite having a record-breaking transfer window, Arne Slot probably expected a few more reinforcements to make Anfield water-tight.
The Reds made big strides in the summer transfer market, breaking records left and right as they splashed the cash to mark a new era in the club’s history.
It was surprising to an extent, considering Arne Slot had made only two signings in his first summer as a Liverpool manager. Federico Chiesa joined from Juventus, and Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia, both for very modest numbers.
This is not typical of a new manager at a big club who goes on a spending spree to make a statement. Despite the lack, the Dutch gaffer managed to win the English Premier League in his first season as the Reds manager.
The real story starts in the following summer, as the Dutchman reacted quickly to the changing dynamics at Anfield. However, the one player he will regret missing is Marc Guéhi.
To Liverpool’s defence, it was a pull-back from Crystal Palace in the final minutes of the summer window that spoiled the sport for everyone.
Although this turn of events might come back to bite Arne Slot, as the back four will shake if even a single variable falls apart.
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool signed these players from?
Ibrahima Konaté talks about Kylian Mbappé’s Real Madrid calls
A major variable in the Liverpool backline today is French defender Ibrahima Konaté. With only three senior defenders in Arne Slot’s arsenal, the Frenchman is the starter who pairs up with Virgil van Dijk, holding the defensive centre at Anfield.
That is why things got tense when the defender suffered a knock against Arsenal, as Joe Gomez was called on to cover for the Frenchman.
However, the situation is better now as Ibrahima continued to play for France during the international break. Despite that, there might be some red flags for Slot to be wary of after Konaté’s latest interview.
Shooting with TF1, an interviewer asked him, “The Spanish press is sending you to Real Madrid next season. Is Kylian Mbappe putting a bit of pressure on you to come?”
The Frenchman, being himself, replied with, “He calls me every two hours!” Now the actuality of this statement can be under scrutiny, but the situation is pretty close to the Trent Alexander-Arnold scenario.
Instead of letting him leave for free, Liverpool might plan to go all in for Marc Guéhi in the summer and sell him for some financial reinforcements.
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