PSG’s Reason for Not Signing Real Madrid Target Amid Liverpool Uncertainty Revealed

The prospect of signing Konaté with one year remaining on his Liverpool contract was especially appealing to Luis Campos, but not to Luis Enrique. The decision may come as a surprise, particularly since Konaté is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer next year.

In a Q&A with Le Parisien, Dominique Sévérac explains that PSG’s coach made a clear, decisive choice, believing the French international would not reach the level that the Ukrainian player is projected to achieve in the coming years.

“These are technical decisions, about potential for growth,” Sévérac wrote (h/t Foot01). “Luis Enrique believes [Illia] Zabarnyi is more compatible with PSG, more compatible with Luis Enrique, than Konaté. This is where you have to be very specialist or really understand his thinking, because I, like you, think Konaté would have been an excellent choice.

“But he would have refused to come, knowing that this is about preparing for life after Marquinhos. Zabarnyi is willing, for now, to be the backup. Konaté, with his status, couldn’t have remained in the shadows. If you come from Bournemouth, you can accept being a substitute in big matches. Not if you come from Liverpool.”