Xabi Alonso could break Liverpool hearts again as FSG face fresh contract nightmare

could face being left heartbroken by once again next summer, with owners FSG at risk of letting another star player walk away for free. Alonso is set to replace Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout, having announced on Friday that he will be leaving Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season. It came a year after he decided not to join Liverpool when walked away from Anfield.

Alonso was the popular choice to succeed Klopp, given his impressive start to management in Germany. He is also a former Liverpool player, having spent five years on Merseyside between 2004 and 2009. When the opportunity came to manage the Reds last summer, he opted to stay at Bayer Leverkusen but is now headed for Real Madrid.

It left many Liverpool fans heartbroken but it worked out well in the end, with Arne Slot coming in and delivering the Premier League title. Alonso, meanwhile, could sting his former club again next season by taking one of their key players on a free transfer.

Ibrahima Konate only has a year left on his current deal and is yet to sign fresh terms, meaning he could leave Anfield in 2026. It means Liverpool are facing a dilemma over whether to sell him this summer or risk losing him for nothing in a year's time.

If they keep the Frenchman, there is a chance he could reject a new deal and join the club of his choosing when his contract runs out. He could be tempted to join Trent Alexander-Arnold at the Bernabeu if Alonso decides to pursue a free transfer.

Real Madrid chiefs have already identified Konate as a player of interest, according to Spanish outlet . The report suggests they are essentially waiting for the defender to run down his contract before making a move for his signature.

This would be a frustrating scenario for Liverpool, given how important Konate has been over the last few seasons. He has played in all but seven of their Premier League matches this term, having emerged as the ideal option to partner Virgil van Dijk.

Losing a player of his quality on a free transfer, just a year after Alexander-Arnold, would undoubtedly hurt Liverpool. Only time will tell if they can tie Konate down to an extended deal, with the Reds having time on their side when it comes to finding a solution.