Liverpool are currently going through a period of major transition as the final phase of the 2025/2026 season arrives at breakneck speed. The squad recently endured a painful exit from the Champions League after a 2-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield on 14 April 2026, which followed an identical loss in the first leg.
While this European setback hurts, the team remain a strong force in domestic competitions after a 2-0 victory over Fulham just days prior. Every match now matters more than ever as management evaluates the current squad for the challenges ahead. Fans are watching closely as the club balance the immediate need for points with the long-term goal of retaining their most influential defensive pillars.
Stefan Borson shares news on a looming contract standoff
Former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson recently provided a major update to Football Insider regarding the future of France international Ibrahima Konate. He suggests that the central defender might leave Anfield on a free transfer, with Real Madrid emerging as a potential plan A for the 26-year-old.
Borson estimates the Frenchman is still worth £50 million despite a season that the expert describes as underwhelming. It is estimated that the player likely earns between £150,000 and £200,000 weekly, though a new agreement could see those wages climb to the £250,000 mark.
“On any basis, he’s worth £50million,” said Borson.
“He’s obviously not had a good season, but he’s a £50m player in the current market, and a £50m player can command £200-250k. I don’t think he’s on that much less than that right now.
“For all of the numbers that we hear about from Liverpool fans, I’m sure he’s on between £150-200k all in.
“Most of the Liverpool players are if you do a simple bit of arithmetic on their last wage bill and the sort of percentage that goes on the first-team squad, you find that the average is probably somewhere near £230k with all the bonuses included. He’s on good money already, but he can easily get to £250k.”
Looking at the numbers, Konate has conceded 31 goals while securing 10 clean sheets across 30 Premier League appearances this term. These figures reveal that Liverpool concede a goal every 83 minutes when he features, yet his individual contributions remain high.
He averages 1.67 tackles and 0.80 interceptions every 90 minutes while recording 5.56 clearances to protect the goal. While recent reports from RMC Sport hint at decent progress toward an extension until 2030, the financial lure of a free move to Spain continues to hang over these negotiations.
Should the club break the bank for the French defender?
Liverpool must make it a priority to secure this signature because top-tier central defenders with elite physical profiles are incredibly hard to find in the current market. Replacing a player of his calibre would cost significantly more than the £250,000 weekly wage Stefan Borson mentions, especially when considering the steep prices for proven European talent.
Allowing a £50 million asset to depart for nothing would be a massive financial blunder that the club cannot afford during this rebuilding phase. He offers a unique combination of recovery speed and aerial dominance that allow the team to play a high defensive line with confidence.
While his consistency sometimes wavers, his statistical output in tackles and clearances proves he remains an essential component of the starting eleven. Moving to Real Madrid might tempt any professional, but the project at Anfield offers him a guaranteed leadership role as the old guard eventually steps aside.
The board should offer the requested salary increase immediately to shut down exit rumours before the next transfer window opens. Keeping him ensures stability at the back and sends a clear message that the club still have the financial power to retain their best players.
Rohit Sarkar
Rohit Sarkar is a passionate writer with a deep love for multiple sports, but his favourites are football and cricket. Since 2017, he has been covering football and cricket news with a keen eye for detail and compelling storytelling. He is a fan of the beautiful game and a specialist…