Liverpool are “confident” about agreeing a contract extension with Ibrahima Konate, according to a fresh update from Fabrizio Romano.
The Frenchman is currently missing for the Reds through injury, with his absence felt away to Newcastle United on Wednesday evening.
Arne Slot’s side conceded three times at St James’ Park in their 3-3 draw, with both Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah well short of their best.
Konate is contracted at Liverpool until the summer of 2026, and while much focus is on Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah at the moment, tying him down to a new deal is also important.
Taking on X on Thursday, Romano provided a positive update regarding the future of Konate on Merseyside, saying things are going in the right direction with regard to an extension:
“Talks over new deal for Ibrahima Konate at Liverpool keep proceeding as planned, club confident to get it sealed. LFC management and coaching staff happy with Ibrahima as they want him to be part of long term project.”
Our thoughts on Konate signing a new Liverpool deal…
This is brilliant news, with Konate a player who should be considered a massive part of Liverpool’s future, seeing as he is still only 25 years of age.
The France international has arguably been as good as Van Dijk this season, such is the level he has reached, averaging 3.3 clearances and 2.3 aerial duel wins per game in the Premier League and being hailed by Lucy Ward, who said of him:
“Ibrahima Konate is another who has been brilliant so far this season. He’s been revitalised. I think Arne Slot’s setup has helped him; there’s not as much risk out of possession.”
The fact that Konate is eight years younger than Van Dijk arguably makes him signing a new contract just as important, seeing as the current Liverpool captain won’t be around forever, and the hope is that this is all sorted as soon as possible.
The former’s injury problems are the only concern when it comes to him signing on the dotted line for many years to come, but they are not serious enough to ever consider moving him on.
Seeing Konate and Van Dijk extend their stays at Anfield, as well as Alexander-Arnold and Salah for that matter, are more important than any new signings.
