Liverpool are in talks to let another first-team star leave Anfield this summer after it was confirmed that Ibrahima Konate would be on the move, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Reds confirmed during the season that both Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson would leave in the summer transfer window, and it was revealed earlier this week that France international Konate would follow them after failing to agree a new contract.

Manager Arne Slot was also sacked on Saturday in a surprise move, with GMS sources understanding that Andoni Iraola is the frontrunner to replace him. But there could yet be even more exits to come on Merseyside.

Liverpool In Talks to Sell Curtis Jones

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool remain in talks with Inter Milan over a deal that could see Curtis Jones leave permanently.

The midfielder, who has been described as ‘incredible’, has emerged as a top target for the Serie A champions, after showing an initial interest in January, although a deal never materialised.

Inter were hoping to pay around €20m (£17.3m) for the 25-year-old, who is out of contract next summer, and it’s understood that Jones would be willing to make the switch to the San Siro.

An agreement is not believed to be close, with Liverpool valuing him higher, but an exit has not been ruled out as the club look to raise funds ahead of a big summer window, following their record-breaking spend last year.

Jones Exit Would Be Final Nail

There’s some big exits planned at Anfield, but losing another academy talent for a minimal fee a year after losing Trent Alexander-Arnold for nothing would be a nightmare decision.

Jones has showed his quality over recent years, and there’s no doubting that he absolutely loves Liverpool having come through their academy as a child and supported them all his life.

That type of connection is what has been missing at Anfield for a long time, and letting him leave would just further desecrate the feeling around the club. He deserves to be given a chance and a new contract, not sold to the highest bidder.

Although Michael Jordan is often remembered as an untouchable competitor thanks to his flawless NBA Finals record and overwhelming control of the league throughout the 1990s, his rise to championship success was anything but immediate. Jordan didn’t capture his first NBA title until his seventh season in the league.

Like many all-time greats, Jordan endured years of setbacks before finally reaching the pinnacle. Countless legends have had to battle through losses against established stars before becoming champions themselves. Those difficult defeats often provide the lessons that shape future greatness, and Jordan’s journey was no exception.

During the 1980s, MJ developed several notable rivalries as he emerged as the NBA’s premier talent. He frequently ran into roadblocks created by Isiah Thomas’ Pistons and Magic Johnson’s Showtime Lakers. Jordan’s teams were eliminated from the playoffs in each of his first six seasons, with five of those exits coming against just two opponents. Three postseason losses came against Detroit, while two of his earliest heartbreaks were delivered by a player widely regarded as one of the greatest in basketball history.

Michael Jordan Praised NBA Legend For Having No Weaknesses

Before suffering consecutive playoff sweeps at the hands of that star, Jordan was asked about him in 1987 and offered a surprisingly unique assessment of his game.

But who was it he was talking about?

Larry Bird’s place among basketball’s all-time elite is well deserved. Across his Hall of Fame career, he earned 12 All-Star selections and 10 All-NBA honours. Bird also captured three MVP awards, three NBA championships, and two Finals MVP trophies. Even though injuries shortened the latter stages of his career, he remains firmly in the conversation as one of the greatest small forwards ever.

What makes his accomplishments even more remarkable is that he achieved them without the elite athletic traits commonly associated with legendary players. Few superstars have reached his level while relying so little on physical advantages.

As Jordan pointed out, Bird’s game contained virtually no weaknesses. He wasn’t the fastest player on the court, nor was he known for explosive leaping ability. While those attributes can create advantages, they are not the defining characteristics of a champion.

Bird built his reputation through elite skill, competitive toughness, basketball IQ, and a confidence that often intimidated opponents. He was among the finest shooters of his generation, capable of scoring from long range, the mid-range area, or around the basket. Regardless of the situation, he had a knack for delivering big shots.

Beyond scoring, Bird was a gifted passer whose court vision ranked among the best the game has ever seen. He routinely identified opportunities before they developed and delivered creative passes with either hand. He also contributed heavily on the glass, averaging 10.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists throughout his career.

Defensively, Bird was never considered a shutdown one-on-one defender, but his awareness and positioning allowed him to be highly effective. He excelled within team defensive schemes and consistently used anticipation to offset any physical disadvantages.

Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest player in NBA history. Bird isn’t far behind on many all-time lists, despite possessing nowhere near Jordan’s athletic gifts. Through a combination of skill, intelligence, and all-around excellence, Bird repeatedly challenged and defeated Jordan early in his career – a fact Jordan himself readily acknowledged.

Benjamin Mendy’s life has changed drastically just three years on from leaving Manchester City, with the defender now living and playing football in Poland.

The 31-year-old was a regular starter for Pep Guardiola‘s side following his £52 million switch from AS Monaco in 2017, playing 75 times for the club, with nine trophies won in his stint at the Etihad Stadium.

Mendy was charged in 2021 and 2022 with eight counts of rape, one count of sexual assault, and one count of attempted rape, with Man City deciding to suspend him while pending a trial.

He was later found not guilty on all counts in two trials held in late 2022 and early 2023, before he was ultimately released by City at the end of his contract in June 2023.

In three years since, the former France international has played for three different clubs, the latest of which has him living a very different life in Poland.

Benjamin Mendy’s Career After Manchester City

After the not guilty verdict, and the expiry of his contract at Man City, Mendy made a move to France, where he joined FC Lorient on a two-year deal.

That switch was met with backlash from some of the supporters, but he was available to play regardless, and ended up making his debut for the club in September 2023.

The left-back only managed to feature 15 times for Lorient, as injuries ravaged his second season with the French club, ultimately ending it with two goals and one assist.

That prompted an exit in February 2025, as Mendy moved to Switzerland, joining FC Zurich on a short-term deal until the end of the 2024/25 season.

This move was once again met with criticism, as a local women’s charity group hit out at the club’s decision to hire the former Manchester City defender.

It was another short stint, as he went on to make just eight appearances for the Swiss club, moving on at the end of his deal to become a free agent.

That summer, a move to Poland was on the cards, as Pogon Szczecin became his next destination, with a one-year deal signed with an option of a further season.

It remains to be seen whether that option will be taken up, with only 11 appearances for the club over the past year, as he could face yet another career move.

What Is Benjamin Mendy Doing Now?

While Mendy’s career on the pitch has changed drastically since leaving Manchester City, it appears as though his life has also taken a turn.

A report from the Daily Mail cites that his life in Poland is quiet, living in the city of Szczecin, which is located in the north-west of the country and is home to around 395,000 people.

It’s claimed that locals have often seen him pushing a cart around local supermarkets, a far cry from his days being paid millions by Manchester City.

A friend of the player spoke to paper and said: “The young players are in awe of him because of the World Cup and he always finds time to help them and ask how they’re doing. He’s never arrogant, just always friendly and down to earth. He never plays the big man.”

Meanwhile, Polish sports journalist Michal Horbaczewski claims that the player is trying to improve his own public image, stating:

It remains to be seen whether that life in Poland will continue, with his contract expiring this summer.