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.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is reportedly determined to force a move to Barcelona this summer.
The England international joined Aston Villa on loan in January and has impressed with four goals and six assists in 17 outings under Unai Emery, although a recent hamstring issue has kept him sidelined.
Villa hold an option to sign Rashford permanently for £40 million this summer, but they have yet to decide whether to trigger it—and they do not possess first refusal, meaning Manchester United could sell him elsewhere.
Rashford was heavily linked with Barcelona in January, but financial constraints scuppered a deal and opened the door for Villa.
Rashford ’looking to force’ Barcelona switch
Despite enjoying his spell in the West Midlands, Barcelona remain Rashford’s preferred destination.
According to Sport, his representatives have approached the Catalan giants about a potential loan move, though United would need to subsidise part of his £325,000‑a‑week wages—or Barcelona would have to agree to a significant pay cut on his behalf.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia and across the Premier League are also monitoring the situation, but Rashford has made it clear that he only wants to join Hansi Flick’s side.
Would Man United accept another loan deal?
Selling Rashford this summer would count as pure profit for United under Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, thanks to his home‑grown status.
While United are keen to reinvest any funds raised, it’s hard to see them agreeing to another loan—especially one that leaves them covering part of his salary.
That said, they might contemplate a move with a mandatory purchase clause in 2026, giving them both short‑term flexibility and long‑term certainty.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly growing concerned that Ruben Amorim might walk away from Manchester United.
After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October 2024 following a 2-1 loss to West Ham, United moved swiftly to bring in Amorim on the back of his success at Sporting CP.
Yet translating his tactics at Old Trafford has proven challenging, with the Red Devils languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.
Despite domestic struggles, United have excelled in Europe and stand one win away from securing Champions League football by beating Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Amorim himself hinted at the possibility of an early exit if results don’t improve, saying, “It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this. If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”
According to The Sun, Ratcliffe—United’s minority owner and INEOS chairman—“remains concerned” that Amorim may decide “enough is enough after a campaign of chaos.”
The report suggests Ratcliffe views the 40-year-old Portuguese as somewhat of a “loose cannon” and wants reassurance that Amorim will honour the final two years of his contract rather than depart and leave the club in disarray.
Ahead of the crucial final, Amorim appeared undeterred, insisting on his belief in the squad’s readiness. “I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game. They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club.
After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way.
So I am really confident.” With both Ratcliffe’s concerns and Amorim’s resolve laid bare, all eyes will be on Wembley to see whether the Europa League final serves as a turning point for United’s tumultuous season.
Football
Ex Arsenal star Lacazette’s home burgled while playing final game for Lyon with cash and jewellery stolen
Alexandre Lacazette’s home was targeted by burglars while he was on the pitch for Lyon last night, according to French outlet Le Progrès.
The 33‑year‑old, playing his 391st and final match for his boyhood club, was facing Angers at Groupama Stadium when two intruders are reported to have broken into his residence in Lyon’s fifth arrondissement around 9.30 pm local time.
Once inside, they accessed a safe and made off with jewellery, luxury leather goods and cash, with the stolen haul “claimed to be tens of thousands of pounds.”
Security cameras captured the suspects, and police launched an investigation after the burglary was officially reported at 1.30 am.
Lacazette rose through Lyon’s youth system before joining Arsenal in 2017, then returned to France in 2022.
Manager Paulo Fonseca recently confirmed that Lacazette will depart when his contract expires this summer, as Lyon look to balance the books amid financial concerns.
In recognition of his service, supporters unveiled a giant tifo before kick‑off, and Lacazette honored them by scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over Angers—his 200th and 201st for the club—securing a sixth‑place finish.
He joins several teammates who have suffered similar crimes in recent seasons, including Georges Mikautadze, who was robbed at gunpoint last December, and Dejan Lovren, who faced an attempted break‑in in October 2023.
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