The Liverpool defender could leave for nothing next year in a similar scenario to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 27: Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool celebrates the teams victory and confirmation of winning the Premier League title after the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield on April 27, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
(Image: Getty Images)
Ibrahima Konate's future at Liverpool is unclear as his contract ticks down, and fans are waiting for news on whether Virgil van Dijk's defensive partner will continue his time at the club or not. Some readers in the ECHO comments section are worried that the situation could end up similarly to the acrimonious departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid.
Konate has been with Liverpool since 2021, working his way up from being a highly-rated prospect to being Van Dijk's regular partner last year as the club won the Premier League title. His contract ends next year, after which he can leave for nothing, and there are plenty of clubs who would appreciate his talents.
External reports have suggested that the France international is unhappy with his current pay packet, wanting a significant boost if he is to continue his time at Liverpool. If he does leave, either this summer or next, it would be mean a big reshuffle of Liverpool's centre-back department.
Jarell Quansah has left for Germany, Joe Gomez is wanted by other clubs as his playing time diminishes, and the departure of Konate would force Liverpool's hand in the transfer market. Crystal Palace's FA Cup-winning captain Marc Guehi is on the Reds' radar, with his contract also close to its end in London.
Some fans want Liverpool to force the issue and seek clarity as soon as possible, in order to set the club up in the best position to defend their title. Reader Hkl57 says: "I think the club will reach an agreement with Konate regarding his wages, £120K-£130K plus performance bonus. If he's still stalling by the end of July, we should offer him out to PSG."
Derek57keeper thinks it might be out of the clubs' hands already: "The problem is if the player doesn't want to sign a new contract there is nothing the club can do other than make it known that the player is available for transfer. But he can refuse to move to another club."
Eaglehu12 would try to guarantee a transfer fee: "Put him up for sale now and see who bids for him. If he wants to sit tight then let's go for Guehi and tell Konate he will sit on the bench during a World Cup year, may make him change his mind."
Wellred says: "Konate is the big conundrum. Is he doing a Trent stitch-up? Not much can be done if he is, bar sending him to the reserves in a World Cup year. Unlikely. Shame if he doesn't want to stay. And shame on him if he’s stringing us out. We will see."
Mace72 agrees with trying some harsh treatment in the wake of the Trent Alexander-Arnold situation: "If Konate doesn't sign by the week before the window closes, then just sell him and get another centre-back in.
"If Konate thinks he can hold us to ransom he's sadly mistaken, the club comes first. If he decides he wants to run his contract down then just leave him to rot on the bench, won't be great for him the year before the World Cup. Good luck with being selected by the French national team after not playing throughout the season."
Johnnyedwards writes: "Madrid may have spent a lot but they have got Rudiger, Mbappe & TAA for nowt. I say give Konate until the end of July to sign. If he doesn't by then put him on the transfer list. Let's see how much he wants to go & how much they will pay then, NOT next year for nothing."
Poorscousertommy says: "Take £40-50m now then buy a decent CB for now, and a younger one to grow. I’m not a big fan of Konate and we deserve a better defender than him."
Johnie77 writes: "He is not that good and he always plays on the opponent, not the ball, and that cost Liverpool dear in the past and will cost them more in the future. VVD at this age needs a more reliable partner."
Have your say! Should Liverpool go all out to secure Konate's services? Are calls to "leave him on the bench" or to give him the "bomb-squad" treatment justified? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.