There are still two months until the Premier League resumes and some Liverpool players’ futures weigh in the balance.
It is that time of year where the action on the pitch comes to a halt and the work off it begins, with the Reds’ business well underway.
Liverpool have turned their attention to strengthening their existing squad and refining it to only the best, with some very decent players potentially having to find game time elsewhere.
Contracts do not seem too much of an issue either this summer, especially compared to just a few months ago, with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk sticking around for a little while longer.
However, the Dutchman’s centre-back partner has had doubts around his future after next year’s campaign when his contract expires, although he has started to show promising signs.
Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Ibrahima Konate looks more likely to extend his Liverpool contract
The centre-back position is one of the most important on the pitch and, when both are fit, Liverpool have one of the best pairings in world football.
However, Ibrahima Konate’s contract runs out in the summer of 2026 and he is yet to sign a new deal despite being offered one back in January.
Despite this, though, Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele has suggested that he has shown signs behind-the-scenes that will encourage Liverpool fans.
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“If you asked me about Konate a month ago I would’ve said I would’ve been worried about him,” Steele said during a live stream on his YouTube channel.
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“The fact he has a year left and Madrid want him, but what he has said to us since when I’ve spoken to him at games has calmed my feelings on that and I think he will end up extending. That’s my gut feeling, but a month ago I wasn’t so sure.”
Who could replace Ibrahima Konate if he leaves Liverpool?
Liverpool are in a tricky predicament as losing Konate would, obviously, be a huge loss, but they are also willing to sell Jarell Quansah if the right offer comes in, meaning they could lose two centre-backs in quick succession.
Rumours of a replacement have been strangely quiet too, with Ajax’s Jorrel Hato the main name linked with a switch to Anfield.
Ousmane Diomande is also liked by Liverpool but would command a fee of around £50m, begging the question, do Liverpool cash in on Konate while they can?
It is a position they will need to get right but also one that may need sorting quicker than many think, although if Steele is right and the Frenchman does sign, they will have a top-quality centre-back for years to come.