Liverpool fans concerned after double Ibrahima Konate admission
Liverpool supporters are concerned by Ibrahima Konate ahead of the Champions League clash against Lille at Anfield on Tuesday.
The French defender claimed in the pre-match press conference (20 January) that he rushed his comeback from a knee injury and has been using painkillers to play for the Reds.
The 25-year-old also admitted that the Anfield outfit had offered him a new contract but was coy about whether he was close to signing it.
The revelations have worried Reds supporters that Konate could get injured again and might leave at the end of his contract.
Liverpool fans anxious after Konate revelations
Reds supporters are anxious about both claims made by their French star.
One supporter called the fact that Konate is taking painkillers to play “an absolute joke” calling for the club to enter the winter transfer window rather than “risking one of our best players.”
Another commented on the contract situation, saying that the Reds “probably offered him an extra 50p a week and a Mars bar” and claimed that the club “never seem to just pay our players properly.”
The idea that Konate may wait to see what the club decides to pay their three out-of-contract stars is a rational one.
If Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk secure bumper pay rises then the Frenchman may use that as a measuring stick in his negotiations with his deal expiring in 18 months.
However, owners Fenway Sports Group may be reluctant to pay top money to a player who has missed 45 games across the last three seasons.
His quality is crystal clear, he is one the best defenders in the world when fit but his availability problems are a major concern, and playing through the pain may not be the best option if he wants a new mega-deal.
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