Football
Real Madrid, PSG-linked defender ‘demanding £120k pay rise’ in new deal
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is reportedly holding out for a significant pay increase before agreeing to extend his contract with the club.
The French international, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021, is currently on a five-year deal set to expire in the summer of 2026.
Despite still having over a year remaining on his current terms, Liverpool are eager to secure his long-term future given his growing influence in the team.

Now 25 years old, Konate has become a vital part of the Reds’ defense and has featured consistently throughout the current campaign.
After dealing with injury issues in his early seasons at Anfield, the centre-back has enjoyed a largely injury-free year, making 36 appearances across all competitions.
He has contributed two goals and two assists this season, further underlining his importance to the squad. His performances have reportedly attracted interest from European giants such as Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, which has added urgency to Liverpool’s contract talks.
At present, Konate earns £80,000 per week, a figure that pales in comparison to some of his teammates. According to reports, the defender is demanding a substantial rise to £200,000 per week to reflect his role and performances.
Should Liverpool agree to his terms, Konate would join the upper tier of earners at the club, just behind Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, who reportedly make £220,000 and £350,000 per week, respectively.
The current wage structure shows players like Joe Gomez on £85,000 and others such as Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, and Federico Chiesa earning between £140,000 and £150,000—despite not making the same consistent impact as Konate.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold seemingly on the verge of a summer move to Real Madrid, Liverpool could free up significant room on their wage bill.
The right-back currently earns £180,000 per week, which could be reallocated to help meet Konate’s salary demands.
This would make sense strategically, especially under new head coach Arne Slot, who appears to view Konate as a cornerstone of the club’s future defensive setup.
Konate’s overall contribution since joining Liverpool includes five goals and four assists in 126 appearances, a solid return for a centre-back.
His potential new deal would recognize not only his performances but also his growing leadership role within the squad.
As Liverpool look to refresh and secure their core players, progress is reportedly being made with other key figures as well.
Talks with Van Dijk over a new deal are said to be progressing, with the Dutchman himself hinting at a breakthrough following Liverpool’s recent 3-2 loss to Fulham.
Van Dijk’s current contract is due to expire in June, but both parties appear confident of reaching an agreement.
Similarly, Mohamed Salah is believed to be committed to staying at Anfield for the foreseeable future, despite ongoing interest from the Saudi Pro League.
With the Premier League title still undecided, formal announcements on any contracts are likely to be delayed as the team focuses on securing silverware before turning to off-pitch matters.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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