Carragher weighs in on Konaté’s Liverpool future: “We’ll cope if he leaves”

Jamie Carragher weighs in on Konaté's Liverpool future

Jamie Carragher, Liverpool legend, says the contract saga surrounding French defender Ibrahima Konaté is not a catastrophe for the club, even with the looming threat of losing him on a free at season's end. He insists the Reds can cover his departure if needed.

According to the Daily Mail Sport report, Konaté's contract runs until the end of the season, and there were no signs of renewed talks since November 2024, amid Real Madrid's interest.

This comes after Liverpool fans were stunned by Trent Alexander-Arnold's sale to Real Madrid for £10m; Carragher believes the team won't be overly affected if Konaté leaves.

Carragher, speaking to Daily Mail Sport from Tranmere during the launch of the latest phase of the 'Every Minute Counts' campaign to revive the heart, said: 'I hope he stays, but if he doesn't, Liverpool will sign another defender. The team won't crumble on his departure.'

He added: 'He's not Virgil van Dijk. He is a good defender, and we hope he extends, but if he doesn't want that, Liverpool will be absolutely fine. He is a high-quality player who won the league with Liverpool and played in the Champions League final against Real Madrid.'

The former defender went on: 'Two good performances this season, but it's not all smooth sailing. He has to maintain consistency over several months, not just two matches.'

He noted that there are no secrets to sustaining form; it comes down to hard work and professional discipline, including diet and sleep patterns, to become a true professional on and off the pitch.

Konaté now faces a tough test, as Liverpool visit Manchester City on Sunday to face Erling Haaland, who has scored 27 this season for club and country. Carragher called Haaland the best goalscorer in Premier League history, but noted his modest scoring record against Liverpool: two goals in six meetings with City against the Reds, with one win and three defeats.

Jamie Carragher is one of the most recognizable icons of Liverpool in the modern era, renowned for his loyalty to the Reds and his uncompromising approach on the pitch.

Born in Bootle near Liverpool on January 28, 1978, Carragher joined the club's academy in 1988 before breaking into the first team in the mid-1990s, eventually becoming a captain and a defining leader for the club.

He made his first-team debut in the 1996-1997 season under Roy Evans, quickly drawing attention for his defensive discipline and versatility, starting as a defensive midfielder, moving to right-back, and finally settling as a centre-back, the position where he made his legacy.

Over more than 17 years at Liverpool, Carragher made 737 competitive appearances across all competitions, ranking second in the club's all-time appearances behind Ian Callaghan. Though not known for goals (five in his career), his impact came from leadership and fighting spirit that defined Liverpool's identity.

He won a raft of major trophies with Liverpool, including the 2005 Istanbul Champions League title in one of the club's greatest nights, overturning a 3-0 deficit to beat Milan on penalties. Carragher was a secret hero, playing through cramps in extra time and anchoring the defense during the comeback.

He also lifted the FA Cup twice (2001, 2006), the League Cup three times, the UEFA Cup in 2001, and the UEFA Super Cup twice. Although he never tasted the Premier League as a player, his loyalty made him a symbol for Liverpool fans.

Internationally, Carragher represented England 38 times, taking part in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups and Euro 2004. He faced strong competition for central defense spots from players like John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, and Sol Campbell, which limited his international career compared to his club influence.

Punchline 1: If Konaté leaves for free, Liverpool will simply sign a defender who promises to block shots with a smile—now that's a transfer policy even my coffee could approve.

Punchline 2: And if that joke lands, the headline will read: Liverpool sign a centre-back with a warranty—everything under 3 years, and the sarcasm is on the house.