Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has labelled the club's decision to allow Ibrahima Konate to walk out as a free agent this summer as "crazy business", but he is confident that new head coach Andoni Iraola can transform the Reds into Premier League title contenders.
Konate's Surprise Exit to Real Madrid
Konate, who cost Liverpool £36 million from RB Leipzig five years ago and made 183 appearances, appeared close to signing a new contract towards the end of the last campaign. However, he ultimately opted to become a free agent and join Real Madrid instead. Liverpool had already strengthened their centre-back options by signing Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes for £60 million, but they were hopeful Konate would remain at Anfield.
Johnson expressed his surprise at the departure, saying: "First of all, a huge miss just as an individual. 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 £80 million."
Impact on Liverpool's Season
The former Liverpool defender believes Konate's absence will be keenly felt. "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," Johnson added.
Liverpool remain active in the transfer market, with a new right winger identified as a priority. Johnson noted: "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. But with the names that have been mentioned, like Bradley Barcola - I've been a big fan of him for a long time."
Iraola's Appointment Brings Optimism
Despite the setback of losing Konate, Johnson is optimistic about the impact of new head coach Andoni Iraola. Speaking to WhoScored's The State of Play podcast, he said: "I think if they have a good pre-season and get everyone fit, it's not a matter of just needing one key signing. 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."
Johnson believes Iraola can help Liverpool close the gap to the top of the Premier League. "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 be competitive," he concluded.
