Liverpool are still hopeful they will retain Ibrahima Konate despite the worrying contract standoff with one year remaining on the Frenchman’s contract.
When Liverpool signed Konate, it was clear from the get-go that he is a special player but the club is now at risk of losing him for free in less than 12 months.
The 26-year-old, known for his dominant and seemingly effortless style of defending, is out out contract at the end of June 2026 and while Liverpool and his agents are in talks over a new deal, the club is yet to grant his wishes.
This has, understandably, led to fears among supporters that we may have just one year left with Konate at Liverpool.
Hopefully that isn’t the case but claims from France today suggest the ball is now in Liverpool’s court.
Richard Hughes is aware of what Ibrahima Konate is demanding and must now reply
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has done a wonderful job this summer, so far only failing to land Alexander Isak although that was never dependent on him but rather Newcastle United’s willingness to sell.
Yet, the biggest concern he may now have is the increasing risk of losing one of Liverpool’s most talented players on a free contract just a year after Alexander-Arnold.
Now, French outlet L’Equipe claims that Liverpool have been informed by Konate’s representatives what it will take for the centre-back to put pen to paper on a new long-term contract.
The report reads: “Discussions between Liverpool’s management and Ibrahima Konate’s representatives continue.
“Negotiations were paused but re-started in May and June with counter offers from both sides.
“Richard Hughes is aware of Konate’s demands and must now provide an answer.”
Liverpool must do EVERYTHING they can to keep Konate
Unless Liverpool are convinced there is a centre-back out there better than Konate for Arne Slot’s vision, Konate cannot be allowed to leave.
Of course, if he runs his contract down there will be little to nothing they can do but if Konate’s demands are within the bounds of reality, they should be granted.
There are very, very few central defenders out there better suited to the Premier League and Liverpool’s style of play than Konate.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold no longer at the club, the former RB Leipzig star no longer has to cover such expansive swathes of space that the Scouser used to vacate.
Between Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, there is no shortage of defensive work ethic at right back anymore and that greatly alleviates the expectations placed on Konate at any given moment.
