Ibrahima Konate’s Liverpool future remains uncertain with his contract set to expire next summer.
Talks between the defender and the club have taken place, but no agreement has been reached, leaving the door open to interest from Europe’s elite.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are monitoring the situation closely, and from January, the 26-year-old will be free to negotiate with foreign clubs.
One man who isn’t surprised by the growing attention is Konate’s former youth coach, Eric Hely.
Speaking to Marca, Hely made it clear he sees Konate as a player capable of handling the demands of a club like Real Madrid and believes his talent already outshines some of the current options at the Bernabeu.
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Konate compared to legends by former mentor
“He was very clear about that for a boy his age. He wanted to succeed and worked tirelessly, even on his own.
“If he did it at Liverpool, why not at Real Madrid? I’m sure if he gets into Xabi Alonso’s dressing room, he won’t talk much at first. He’ll listen, learn, and then he’ll establish himself in the group.”
Hely didn’t stop there. He drew comparisons with some of Europe’s top defenders, claiming Konate is “technically stronger” than Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger and more of a Desailly-type than as Varane.
He praised Konate’s versatility in both three-man and four-man defensive systems, as well as his leadership and professionalism on and off the pitch.
As Liverpool weigh up whether to extend his deal or risk losing him for free, Real Madrid may be preparing to make their move, with the blessing of someone who knows Konate best from the beginning.
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