Ibrahima Konate is in the final months of his deal at Liverpool but the club are keen to offer him fresh terms
Arne Slot has hinted that Ibrahima Konate is close to signing a new Liverpool contract if his past comments about Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are anything to go by. The defender only has months left on his deal, but his exit is far from a formality yet.
Liverpool are eager to tie the Frenchman down have confirmed that discussions are in progress. In his press conference last week, Slot disclosed: “We are in talks with him so that tells you what we want. It’s clear we would like him to stay but negotiations are ongoing so let’s see where that ends. We wouldn’t be in negotiations if we didn’t want him to stay.”
Real Madrid have been linked with a potential free transfer for the 26-year-old at the season’s conclusion, although reports late last year indicated the La Liga titans had contacted Liverpool directly to clarify they wouldn’t be pursuing another high-profile Anfield acquisition following their interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp left the door open to sensational Liverpool return amid Red Bull quit rumoursREAD MORE: Liverpool sent Real Madrid transfer instruction to secure Alexis Mac Allister perfect partner
Liverpool found themselves in a comparable predicament last year when both Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk’s contracts were due to expire at the season’s end; however, Slot frequently declined to provide ongoing updates on the pair’s negotiations until the deals were close.
So, Slot openly discussing the club’s desire to keep Konate may be telling. The Frenchman has experienced a mixed season but has shown promise in recent fixtures, including in the 4-1 victory against Newcastle United late last month.
FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FB PAGE! Latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
Reds captain Virgil van Dijk, who will be 35 by time next season rolls around, has acknowledged he’s eager for his defensive colleague to stay at the club beyond the season’s conclusion.
“We are friends, we speak about everything,” he said. “It’s a process and let’s see what comes out of it. It’s never that easy.
“We saw with my situation last year so it’s never that easy that we can just say: ‘Let’s get it done.’ It’s a process and let’s see what comes out of it.
“Obviously I want him to stay. He’s an important figure on the pitch. That’s what everyone sees but off the pitch as well, he’s one of the leaders. He’s outstanding and in my eyes, a world-class centre back.”
Given van Dijk’s age, Liverpool will no doubt be keen to keep hold of Konate. The Reds have, however, taken early measures to build a defence for the future, having spent big money on centre-backs Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet in recent windows.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.