There’s a very “real prospect” of Liverpool losing Ibrahima Konate in the near future, according to an update from journalist Graeme Bailey.
One of the busiest summers at Anfield in years is now in full swing, with new signing Jeremie Frimpong expected to be joined by Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, among others.
There are also expected to be some departures, with the likes of Harvey Elliott, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez all linked with moves away.
Speaking to The Boot Room, Bailey claimed that Ibrahima Konate could also be sold by Liverpool if a contract extension isn’t agreed, in order to avoid losing him on a free transfer in 2026:
“Liverpool have a big situation with Konate’s contract and if a deal isn’t agreed in the next month, there’s a real prospect of him being sold. He’s demanding big money from Liverpool to re-sign – it’s less than what Trent Alexander-Arnold was offered, but it’s not an awful lot less.
“Does he genuinely want that deal or is he doing that to get himself out on a free next summer? We’ll have to see how it plays out but it’s a fascinating situation – but not for Liverpool fans, it’s an annoying situation for them.”
Losing Konate a potential huge blow for Liverpool?
Konate has become such a prominent figure for Liverpool that losing him during his best years would be a major setback, having excelled alongside Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence, being lauded by the Dutchman in the process:
“I think we need everyone to be at their best. He is a fantastic player who still can be better. As you saw, he is important with the goal, he is defensively solid, a bit unlucky with the goal we conceded, but obviously the qualities he has are outstanding in my opinion.”
Admittedly, injuries have been problematic for Konate in the past, so there may be some risk in handing him a new deal, but he started 30 Premier League games in 2024/25, suggesting he has overcome his fitness woes.
The 26-year-old needs to be viewed as the future leader of Liverpool’s defence, with a contract extension a must, although if he wants to leave, there isn’t a huge amount the Reds can do about it.