Liverpool ‘crazy’ transfer move questioned after Real Madrid intervention

Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson was surprised to see Ibrahima Konate leave Anfield but is convinced Andoni Iraola can change the fortunes of the Reds

Liverpool have been questioned for the “crazy business” that saw Ibrahima Konate walk out of the club for nothing this summer – but Andoni Iraola has been backed to transform the Reds into title contenders this season.

Konate appeared to be on the brink of signing a new deal towards the end of the last campaign only to ultimately opt to become a free agent and move to Real Madrid instead.

Liverpool had already bolstered their centre-back resources with the signing of £60million Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes and were hopeful Konate, who cost £36m from RB Leipzig five years ago and made 183 appearances, would continue at Anfield.

And former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson is convinced the absence of the France international will be keenly felt this season.

“First of all, a huge miss just as an individual,” said Johnson. “I think it’s a crazy business deal to let him walk out for free.

“But they have a certain way of doing business, so I think he’d be hard to replace even if you sold him for £80million.

“To be fair to Liverpool, they usually get it right more times than they don’t. I’m sure everyone’s replaceable, but I just think he’ll be a big miss considering you got no money for him and he was one of your key players.”

Liverpool remain in the market for several more signings this transfer window with a new right winger a priority.

And Johnson added: “We all know how Liverpool do their business with the transfers with the data and the numbers and certain statistics. So it’d be hard to pick one that they would go for.

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“But with the names that have been mentioned, like (Bradley) Barcola – I’ve been a big fan of him for a long time.

“To be honest, I think if they can get their players back fit, you’re going to have a couple of players back in the game that were not around last season.”

Speaking to WhoScored’s The State of Play podcast, Johnson is confident the change in the dugout with Iraola as head coach can help Liverpool move nearer the Premier League summit – provided they have a profitable summer.

“I think if they have a good pre-season and get everyone fit, it’s not a matter of just needing one key signing,” he said.

“I think they have a good squad. They just need a good pre-season to start well, and I think their squad’s good enough to compete.

“Win the league? I definitely think they can. Obviously they’ve got a big gap to bridge, but if they can have a pre-season with the new manager, with the new excitement around the club, I think he’s really going to get this team rolling and they can bridge the gap and and be competitive.”