Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has sent a strong message to head coach Arne Slot and the club, insisting they should be prepared to replace one star if he refuses to commit his future to Anfield.
The Reds started their new campaign by beating Bournemouth 4-2 in the Premier League opener, bouncing back from a disappointing Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace. Slot’s side twice let a one-goal lead slip at Wembley, with Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott all missing in the decisive penalty shootout.
Carragher was critical of Liverpool’s defending on the day, with Virgil van Dijk culpable for both Palace equalisers. The captain conceded a penalty, converted by Jean-Philippe Mateta, and was caught out of position for Ismaila Sarr’s late strike. But it is another defender that Carragher is more concerned about in the long term.
Ibrahima Konaté, 26, has entered the final year of his contract, with no breakthrough in extension talks. Liverpool are pushing ahead with plans to bring in two new centre-halves, having already signed Giovanni Leoni from Parma and retaining strong interest in Marc Guéhi of Crystal Palace.
The Reds insist they have no intention of selling Konaté this summer, but the France international’s contract situation has alerted Real Madrid. If he does not sign a new deal, Liverpool face the risk of losing him for free next year, something the club have been stung by in the past.
Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher urged Konaté to put pen to paper, but insisted Liverpool could cope without him if necessary.
“I don’t know what he’s been offered or whatever. I’m sure he’d be getting a good wage if you like. But if I were him, I’d sign. I’m not sure where he would go, but I think he’s a really good player. I don’t think he’s irreplaceable.”
The former England defender pointed out that Liverpool have let key players leave for free in the past, rather than meet high wage demands.
“I think Liverpool, in the past, have been prepared to let people go for free. It’s not ideal, but I think they’re prepared to send a message in terms of wages. If you go back to Klopp’s team, Emre Can and Wijnaldum left for free. They wanted more money, [but the club said], ‘This is what we think you’re worth. We might sell you, we might keep you.’
The same for Trent [Alexander-Arnold]. Trent asked for a few quick, whatever it was, and he might be the same.”
Konaté’s future remains one of the big talking points of Liverpool’s summer and a decision is expected before the window closes.
Slot may have started the season with uncertainty over one of his first-choice defenders, but, as Carragher warns, no player is bigger than the club. With another defensive reinforcement likely, the Frenchman may soon find himself fighting for his place, contract signed or not.
