Report: PSG are going all in to sign ‘quite outstanding’ Liverpool first team star

Liverpool are bracing themselves for a potentially significant blow as French giants Paris Saint-Germain intensify efforts to secure the services of one of their most vital players — Ibrahima Konaté.

The 24-year-old French centre-back has been a crucial component of Liverpool’s backline over the past two seasons. His composure, strength, and ability to read the game have earned him widespread praise — not just from fans, but also from pundits and opposition coaches.

Reports from Anfield Watch reveal that PSG are seriously stepping up their pursuit of Konaté ahead of the summer transfer window. The Ligue 1 champions view him as the perfect long-term replacement for veteran defender Marquinhos, who could be on his way out after over a decade of service in Paris.

Konaté’s current contract with Liverpool runs until the summer of 2026, but negotiations over a potential extension have reportedly hit a stumbling block. While the Reds are eager to tie him down to a longer deal, the French international is demanding a salary in the region of £200,000 per week — a figure that would place him among Liverpool’s top earners.

The club is understood to be hesitant about breaking its wage structure for the defender, especially with several other key players also due for contract renewals. This stand-off has now alerted PSG, who are preparing to test Liverpool’s resolve with a tempting offer.

PSG believe that this summer might be the perfect time to strike, knowing that Liverpool might consider cashing in before Konaté enters the final 12 months of his contract — a situation that would significantly weaken their bargaining power next year.

Moreover, there’s the emotional factor. Konaté is Parisian by birth, and the prospect of returning to his hometown to play for a club with Champions League ambitions and global reach could prove too alluring for him to turn down.

Adding to the tension is Liverpool’s recent Champions League exit, which was at the hands of PSG themselves. The Parisians have advanced to the semifinals of the competition and are building a formidable side under Luis Enrique. Their project looks appealing to players who want to compete at the highest level.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is already facing a challenging start to his tenure. The Dutchman will not only need to replace the legendary Jürgen Klopp but could also be forced to restructure his defence without two of his most important players — Konaté and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is also being linked with a potential exit.

Martin Keown, former Arsenal and England centre-back, has hailed Konaté as “quite outstanding” in recent interviews, underlining the importance of his presence in any team’s defensive setup. Losing such a player would undeniably leave a gaping hole in Liverpool’s defence.

The defensive uncertainty couldn’t come at a worse time for Liverpool. They are already preparing for a summer of transition, and now may have to add another centre-back to their list of priorities — just when they should be focusing on reinforcing their midfield and attacking options.

Adding to the list of potential departures is winger Luis Díaz. The Colombian international has caught the attention of clubs in Saudi Arabia, with lucrative offers reportedly being prepared to tempt him away from Anfield.

And then there’s Mohamed Salah. While not directly linked to PSG, the Egyptian forward may also miss a significant chunk of next season due to a controversial FIFA decision that aligns international tournaments with the Premier League calendar. Salah could miss up to 10 games, creating further instability in Liverpool’s attacking options.

The prospect of losing Konaté, Díaz, and facing an extended absence of Salah is enough to send shivers down the spine of even the most optimistic Liverpool fan. These are not just any players — they are pillars of the team who have contributed immensely to Liverpool’s recent successes.

The coming weeks will be crucial. Liverpool must decide whether to meet Konaté’s demands and secure his long-term future or risk losing him to a direct European rival. PSG, meanwhile, are watching closely, ready to pounce.

For Konaté, the choice may come down to loyalty versus ambition — stay at a club that nurtured him into a world-class centre-back, or return home to Paris, where he could become the new face of PSG’s defensive unit.

Liverpool fans will be hoping that the club can find a solution that satisfies all parties. But as things stand, the future of Ibrahima Konaté remains shrouded in uncertainty — and PSG are making no secret of their desire to bring him home.