Trent Alexander-Arnold’s transfer to Real Madrid was a huge blow to the Merseysiders. Having spent two decades at Liverpool, the Englishman decided to take on new challenges in the Iberian Peninsula last season.
Real Madrid were more than happy to host the right-back. Los Blancos were looking for a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal, and Alexander-Arnold fit the bill.
The Spanish giants paid a small fee to get Trent in time for the FIFA Club World Cup. However, things haven’t been smooth sailing for the Englishman despite his awaited move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
With Madrid already being a toxic name to bring up in Liverpool groups, Arne Slot might repeat the same mistake next summer.
The Dutchman is left with only three defenders to deploy, and even one departure might prove detrimental for the Merseyside squad.
Ibrahima Konate Liverpool doubtful
Ibrahima Konate’s contract talks have made no progress (Credits: Imago Images)
A lot has been said regarding Ibrahima Konate’s future at Anfield. Despite starting renewal talks multiple times, both parties have never reached an agreement.
The clock is ticking as the Frenchman’s contract expires at the end of this season. This makes Konate a free agent in the summer of 2026.
He’ll also be able to sign pre-contracts in Europe from January 2026 onwards. Lewis Steele from the Daily Mail reports that the Merseysiders might end up committing the same mistakes all over again.
“It is now nine months since Konate did a press conference at Anfield and said he had been offered a new contract. It is a year since we reported talks had started over a fresh deal.”
“Yet here we are again – the saga of a Liverpool player out of contract in the summer with Real Madrid looming. It all feels a bit familiar to the Trent Alexander-Arnold issue this time last year, and we all know how that ended up.”
Liverpool have to act fast
Konate has been a fantastic partner for Virgil van Dijk throughout his Liverpool career. Despite Van Dijk’s contract expiring in 2027, the fans were hoping the duo would stay put for two more years at Anfield.
Los Blancos are still closely following the situation. Slot’s side can still turn this around if they make the right decisions in the upcoming months.
If not, then the Dutchman will have to go shopping in January as the Reds are already short in the back four. Marc Guehi remains on the club’s radar, but Madrid is also a suitor in that saga.
