A key update has now emerged regarding the future of Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate, courtesy of journalist Graeme Bailey.
The Frenchman has now been a Reds player for four years, becoming Virgil van Dijk’s undisputed first-choice centre-back since coming in.
Konate’s future has been a big talking point of late, however, with Real Madrid continually linked with signing him and his current Liverpool deal expiring at the end of this season.
Speaking to The Boot Room, Bailey gave a big update on Konate, saying a contract extension could be on the cards after talks involving Michael Edwards:
“I am told Liverpool’s footballing hierarchy, including chief Richard Hughes, have held talks this week, which is an indication from both sides that they are very much still open to a deal.
“Konate’s camp insists they have not reached an agreement to join a Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, etc – they are adamant that is not the case, but the closer we get to the New Year, it will become more and more unlikely that he signs. But let’s see how the talks go, Liverpool remain hopeful Konate will commit to fresh terms.”
A huge decision for Konate to make
As mentioned, Konate is an important figure at Liverpool, so keeping hold of him is far more preferable than losing him, despite some patchy form at the start of this season.
Still only 26, the France international may just be about to head into his peak years, with Rio Ferdinand praising his performance at home to Arsenal before the international break:
“Konate looked something like himself again. Solid. He was the one who was going up against Gyokeres most of the time and he handled him really well.”
It feels like a case of Liverpool either handing Konate the contract that he craves, particularly in terms of wages, and if they can’t come to an agreement, a move to Madrid feels more than possible.
This new update is encouraging, though, suggesting that the defenders still potentially sees his long-term future at Anfield, despite the interest from one of Europe’s top clubs.
To lose another player on a free transfer next summer, as was the case with Trent Alexander-Arnold, would not be a great look for Liverpool.
