23 Feb 2026 10:27:02
James William reporting positive breakthrough talks with Konate contract negotiations.
Not sure how I feel about this tbh.
23 Feb 2026 10:58:04
His level has clearly gone up since coming back after his father's death. He's never going to be world class, but I wouldn't be that disappointed if he stuck around whilst these new young lads settle into the club. He could potentially then be sold in a year or two.
23 Feb 2026 11:26:23
He's a mercenary. Can't help feeling he's raised his level after Madrid turned away.
23 Feb 2026 11:44:23
I think his recent level is back to his best, similar to last season when he was integral to a title-winning team. Not too sure what happened with his father, however, for all we know it could have been something that has been affecting Konate throughout the season. This is paired with the manager consistently making comments about any mistake he made in a game, to try and hide the fact that his tactics were as bad as some of the individual errors.
We quite clearly need more depth in the squad, and I think finding a right-sided centre back who has the attributes Konate has may be more difficult than some people believe.
23 Feb 2026 12:38:29
BC - His level has probably gone up a notch or two since the obvious stress of his father's illness & subsequent passing. How are we to know what the guy's been going through these past months? If he's on form, he's a decent quality centre half, and, like Alex said, he's been integral in trophy-winning sides over the past number of seasons.
I wouldn't be too unhappy if he signed an extension.
23 Feb 2026 12:43:22
I think that's a bit unfair, BalloonCack, as we have no idea how long his father was ill and how much of a drain it was on him. I think him, Virgil, Leoni and Jacket look like 4 good options at CB (assuming the youngsters recover from their injuries).
23 Feb 2026 13:32:38
Honestly, I think Arne Slot is the problem; many players look worse under him. I'd be happy to keep him on a reasonable salary while the younger defenders get game time and develop.
23 Feb 2026 14:17:27
I'd sell him in the morning, tbh. He's an accident waiting to happen. He doesn't instill confidence, and that must permeate through the backline and goalie.
23 Feb 2026 17:25:08
Nice to see the support for a player whose dad has just passed away. YNWA eh? To describe him as mercenary is laughable. He's a professional doing a job, and, like most of us, he wants what's best for himself in terms of his career and wage.
23 Feb 2026 19:43:34
As someone who lost my father a year ago, gone Saturday, I can tell you from my perspective that I was a f****** mess. I don't know Ibou's circumstances, but my father had a drawn out illness that affected me and my family in more ways than I realised. For quite a while, I struggled to concentrate on anything, my work, my relationships, hell, even a TV program!I suppose what I'm trying to say is just give the lad a bit of slack.
I was a f****** nightmare for my friends and family, and I wasn't in the public eye as a prem player, it's pressure, and we all cope differently. I was a huge critic of him until I heard about his dad, then I suddenly got it.It's rough, man. His performances have massively improved. I personally hope we can come to an arrangement with him. That's just my 2 bits worth.
{Ed025's Note - a powerful perspective there TME, kudos mate..
23 Feb 2026 21:56:03
For clarity, and with all due respect to his personal circumstances, my stated opinion isn't just related to his recent performances. He's never been a really top level defender imo. He's been an adequate companion for VVD, but VVD does the majority of the heavy lifting in that partnership.
23 Feb 2026 22:31:08
Fans in general need to be more empathetic towards players. I was seeing loads of criticism of Ekitike too yesterday, with people forgetting he's been fasting all day and trying to play a sport at an elite level. There are fine margins, and these guys are human at the end of the day.
24 Feb 2026 01:23:50
Konate is a solid #2. It doesn't change that we need a VVD replacement at some point, because Konate ain't that guy.
24 Feb 2026 08:04:18
The chap who was formerly a Price is also a solid #2.