Ibrahima Konate has released a heartfelt statement addressed to Liverpool supporters. But while it will be well-received, many will feel that the elephant in the room has been ignored.
While most players have already long since shared their personal reflections on the season (and some, like Trent Alexander-Arnold, have even completed moves elsewhere), Konate has been busy with Nations League duty. So he has only now taken the chance to look back on a year which saw Liverpool claim the title in Arne Slot's first campaign at the club.
Having joined in 2021, this was Konate's first taste of Premier League glory. Reclaiming his place from Jarell Quansah within 45 minutes of the season opener, he never looked back, forming a crucial part of the back line alongside Virgil van Dijk.
"What a season!" Konate wrote on Instagram. "Thank you to all the fans for the love and support this year. You’ve been amazing from start to finish.
"It’s been a great season for me and for the club, so many special moments, and of course winning our 20th Premier League title… unforgettable! Now it’s time to rest, enjoy the holidays, and come back even stronger (and you the fans because we’ll need your energy and voice as well).
"Next season, we go again!" Konate then signed off his message with a salute emoji.
Naturally, this last part will be somewhat encouraging to Liverpool fans. Despite having been linked with PSG from almost the moment he arrived through the door at Anfield, Konate has signaled his commitment to another season under Slot.
And another year of Konate is no small victory. Seemingly perfect for the homegrown-based Parisian project at PSG, one which has already proved more successful than the previous era at the Parc des Princes, Liverpool will be delighted to retain his services for the new campaign.
But it's what comes after that which will be worrying plenty of supporters. And they can be forgiven for being a little twitchy, having just watched Alexander-Arnold run down his contract.
Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah were also the subject of contract drama throughout last season, although both eventually renewed. Konate will take up that role in 2025/26, with his deal ticking into its final year.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on March 14, 2025 in Kirkby, England.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on March 14, 2025 in Kirkby, England. (Image: Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
To make matters worse, PSG is not the only potential suitor. Of all clubs, Real Madrid has been sniffing around, threatening to dust off the playbook that has helped it land the likes of Alexander-Arnold, Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger on free transfers in recent times.
And until Richard Hughes can find a breakthrough in discussions, that speculation will only increase. Liverpool saw as much first-hand last season.
Nor does a new deal seem especially imminent. Konate hit out at "fake news" last month, and said only that we would have to "see what happens" over a contract extension.
Nevertheless, when they saw such a long message, Liverpool supporters will have been hoping for news that Konate had renewed his deal. Instead, the Frenchman has done little to address the elephant in the room.