Virgil van Dijk has urged Ibrahima Konate to ignore reported interest from Real Madrid and commit his future to Liverpool, branding his centre-back partner “world class”.
Konate has been linked with a move to Madrid as the Spanish giants continue to look at defensive options, but Van Dijk has made it clear he wants the France international to remain at Anfield. The Liverpool captain said he hopes Konate will “stay with us”, describing him as a key part of the squad and one of the best around.
Van Dijk’s backing comes as Konate continues to grow into a major figure in Liverpool’s back line alongside the Dutchman, with the pair forming a first-choice partnership whenever available. The captain’s comments also reveal just how highly Konate is rated inside the dressing room, with Van Dijk insisting the 24-year-old has all the tools to be among the game’s elite.
Real Madrid have been credited with tracking Konate, but Liverpool have no desire to lose him and Van Dijk’s message was simple: stay where he is, keep building, and help the club chase more trophies.
