Konate must learn from Alexander-Arnold’s mistakes as Madrid push for free transfer next summer

Defender Ibrahima Konate is in the final year of his Liverpool contract, and all attempts to extend his deal have been unsuccessful.

The France international enjoyed his best spell with the Merseyside outfit last term, forming a formidable partnership with captain Virgil van Dijk as they won the league.

Konate reportedly wants a salary increase that will complement his current squad status.

However, Liverpool are reluctant to meet his demands after making a substantial financial commitment to retain Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

The Reds now risk losing the French defender for free next summer, with Real Madrid feeling confident about signing him.

The move would reunite him with Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left Liverpool earlier this summer, but Konate must learn from his former teammate.

Alexander-Arnold has started two of Madrid’s league games, but his place is under serious threat from Dani Carvajal, who has just recovered from a long-term injury.

He could go from being a regular at Liverpool to a squad player at Madrid before the end of the season, which may affect his chances of representing England at next year’s World Cup.

With the Eder Militao and Dean Huijsen centre-back partnership getting stronger by the day, the France international may find it difficult to displace either in the starting line-up.

Konate must weigh his options properly. The allure of Madrid is undeniable, but Alexander-Arnold’s move shows the grass is not always greener on the other side.