Ibrahima Konate Laughs Off Suggestions of Joining PSG
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has laughed off any suggestions of being lobbied to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) during his time with the French national team. The 24-year-old is an integral part of Liverpool’s defence, and since returning from his injury earlier this season, has featured in six of the last seven matches. This culminated in a call-up to the French squad for the October international break, after missing out in September due to his hamstring strain.
When asked by the French media if any of the PSG players had attempted to lure him back to his hometown, Konate laughed off the question, saying: “I’m not going to answer about what they do! But no, it’s true that I’m a Parisian, but I’m at Liverpool.” Konate is contracted at Anfield until 2026 and will go toe to toe with his club captain Virgil van Dijk on Friday as France face the Netherlands.
Konate Strives for Longevity
In an interview with Le Parisien, Konate made it clear that his goal is to “have a better career” than Van Dijk, though he named a different role model who has history with Liverpool. “There are very few defenders who have managed to have as good a career as him,” Konate said of Liverpool’s No. 4. “I learn a lot alongside him. My goal, and he knows it, is to have a better career than him.” He then added: “My number one [role model] has long been Sergio Ramos.”
Of course, Ramos was involved in the incident that saw Mohamed Salah have to leave the field prematurely in the 2018 Champions League after an over the top tackle from the then Real Madrid defender. Now 37, Ramos returned to his boyhood club Sevilla this summer as a free agent with his senior career now stretching over 20 years. It is the kind of longevity Konate will strive for and Liverpool will hope he has the capabilities to do so, with the Frenchman having shown he can be a cornerstone of the club’s backline for the long-term – if injuries allow.
Conclusion
Ibrahima Konate is an important part of Liverpool’s defence and is contracted at Anfield until 2026. He is determined to have a better career than his club captain Virgil van Dijk and looks up to Sergio Ramos as a role model. Liverpool will be hoping that Konate can stay injury-free and become a cornerstone of their backline for the long-term.