"When Van Dijk speaks about centre-backs, you listen. When he speaks about his centre-back partner - and calls that player "world-class", "a leader", and vital both on and off the pitch - you act. Liverpool would be making a serious mistake if they treated Konate's situation as just another negotiation to manage at their own pace. The Frenchman is in his final six months, and Real Madrid have been circling for years. Other clubs have been mentioned too."
"The captain's comments were striking not because they were emotional, but because they were candid. Van Dijk didn't like that his own contract dragged on; he made that clear. More importantly, he made it clear he doesn't want Konate to endure the same drawn-out uncertainty. When your dressing-room leader publicly urges the club to sort things out, that's not a hint. That's a plea that should not be disregarded."
Liverpool must avoid repeating last season's contract brinkmanship and secure Ibrahima Konate's future amid mounting outside interest. Virgil van Dijk called Konate "world-class", "a leader" and vital both on and off the pitch, and publicly urged the club to resolve the situation promptly. Konate enters his final six months with Real Madrid and other clubs reportedly circling. The defender's recent performances show authority, athleticism and maturity, and he will be central to Liverpool's attempt to return to the Champions League. Konate has also faced justified criticism during earlier poor spells this season.
Read at Soccer News
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