‘Want him to stay’ – Jermaine Pennant confirms transfer U-Turn on Liverpool star

Jermaine Pennant believes Ibrahima Konate is showing form worthy of earning a new Liverpool contract.

However, the former Reds winger has defended his criticism of the Frenchman’s performances this season.

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Konate came under fire during the first half of the campaign as Liverpool’s Premier League title defence faltered.

The 26-year-old also struggled to reach the standards he had shown during his first four years at Anfield.

With his contract set to expire in the summer, Konate stands to walk away from Anfield for nothing.

Real Madrid previously showed an interest but have reportedly informed Liverpool they will not be pursuing a deal.

The cooling of their interest followed criticism for Konate from pundits and supporters.

Liverpool fan and former boxer Paul Smith even offered to drive him to Madrid himself last month.

Meanwhile, Arne Slot appears to have already landed a replacement for the defender.

The club agreed a £60million deal with Rennes for Jeremy Jacquet at the end of the January transfer window.

Jacquet will not join his new Liverpool teammates until the summer, though.

Pennant’s Konate U-Turn

Pennant has now admitted he has been amongst Konate’s critics but he is still open to handing him a contract extension.

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Discussing Konate’s recent performances on the latest episode of talkSPORT’s Inside Liverpool show, Pennant said: “I’ve been one of his critics because I can only go on what I’m seeing week in, week out and the performances weren’t there.

“If you’re not putting (in) performances, you’re making mistakes, you’re putting yourself up for fair critics.

“But now, he’s showing what he was the seasons previously to that, which is fantastic.

“If he can stay in that kind of form and consistency, then of course we love him, we want him to stay and (sign) new contracts, just as long as it may continue.

“So whatever he’s done over the Christmas period, continue to do that.”

Liverpool have kept back-to-back clean sheets across their league victory over Sunderland last week and Saturday’s FA Cup triumph over Brighton.

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Konate played every minute of those wins as he took his tally of appearances this term to 34 in all competitions.

Meanwhile, he also scored in their 4-1 home win over Newcastle in January.

The France international joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig on a five-year deal in 2021.

He has since made 166 appearances for the Reds, scoring seven goals from centre-back.

Konate has also won five trophies during his time in England, including the Premier League last season.

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