Jamie Carragher insists Liverpool can cope if Ibrahima Konate leaves.
Liverpool’s squad on paper remains one of the strongest in the Premier League, with Arne Slot enjoying an enviable wealth of options across the pitch.
But when it comes to the defence, the picture is far less comforting. The Reds currently have just three first-team centre-backs available, and one of those is Ibrahima Konate, whose future at Anfield is uncertain.
The French defender, 26, has emerged as a key figure since joining Liverpool, forming a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the backline.
Together, they have helped the Reds compete at the highest level, including appearances in the Champions League final and lifting Premier League silverware.
But Konate’s contract, which runs until June 30, 2026, has yet to be renewed, and reports suggest interest from top clubs across Europe, including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain.
While the prospect of losing a player of Konate’s calibre is naturally concerning for supporters, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is unphased. Speaking to the Daily Mail, he insisted that the club is fully equipped to handle his potential departure.
“I’d like him to stay, but if he doesn’t stay, Liverpool will sign someone else. Liverpool won’t fall apart if Konate leaves,” Carragher said.
“He’s not Virgil van Dijk. He’s a good centre-back who you hope will sign, but if he doesn’t want to sign, Liverpool will be absolutely fine.
He’s a very good centre-back, he’s a title winner at Liverpool, he’s played in the Champions League final against Real Madrid. He’s obviously a quality centre-back.”
Carragher also addressed the broader issue of contract management, highlighting that clubs cannot force a player to extend his deal.
“It’s not poor management [if he goes for free]. You can’t physically make somebody sign a contract. Then it’s your decision, do you keep him to the length of his contract or do you sell him?”
Since arriving at Anfield, Konate has developed a reputation as a composed, aggressive defender with the ability to dominate in one-on-one situations and read the game effectively.
He has been pivotal in Liverpool’s defensive structure, especially alongside Van Dijk, although both have had moments of vulnerability this season. The club and fans alike will naturally hope that the partnership can continue beyond this campaign.
The timing of Konate’s potential exit is also a factor. Letting him go in January for a reduced fee would be a short-term solution but could leave Liverpool dangerously light at the back. Keeping him until the end of the season, even if it means losing him on a free transfer, is likely the safer route, given the limited options currently available in central defence.
Liverpool have already faced the sting of losing a homegrown star recently, with Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid for a nominal fee. That precedent understandably heightens sensitivity around Konate’s contract situation.
As the contract saga continues, Liverpool will continue to hope for a resolution in Konate’s favour. But fans can take some comfort from the fact that, according to Carragher, the club is prepared for any outcome.
Whether he signs a new deal or moves on, Liverpool’s defensive ambitions and top-four aspirations are unlikely to be derailed.
