Amid what has been a sensational start to the summer transfer window for Liverpool, Ibrahima Konate may have just thrown a huge wrench in the works.
The Reds have wasted no time in strengthening for next season’s Premier League title defense, with Milos Kerkez joining Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz in making the move to Anfield on Thursday. That makes for a seriously impressive window in anyone’s books, although one major concern has been lying in the background the whole time.
Konate’s future is a big worry, with just one year remaining on his contract. Talks over a new deal don’t seem to have been going well, and now there are suggestions that the 26-year-old has already made his mind up.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Konate wants to leave Liverpool at the end of his contract, with a move to Real Madrid being his preference. Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be interested
Such a big claim should of course be taken with a healthy dose of salt. If Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk’s sagas taught us anything, it’s that these matters are never resolved quickly.
There is no doubt though that Konate’s future is a concern for Liverpool, especially since he hasn’t quite filled supporters with hope whenever he’s addressed his contract situation.
The 26-year-old confirmed back in January that he had been offered a new deal by Liverpool, although when he was then asked if he was close to signing it, he responded: “That’s another conversation!”
Liverpool has been in talks over a new contract for Ibrahima Konate
Liverpool has been in talks over a new contract for Ibrahima Konate (Image: Getty Images)
That came after reports earlier in the season that Konate was close to signing a new deal with the Reds — a claim that has proven to be wide of the mark.
“Who talked about that a few months ago?” Konate said. “The club didn’t say anything, I didn’t say anything. It’s one person that said that.
“I didn’t know, after I spoke with the club but I think I am really focused on what happens now. We will see what will happen.”
What did happen was more talks between Liverpool and Konate’s representatives. However, as of last month, the defender was still denying that he was any closer to a new contract at Anfield.
"You know, I just want to say one thing: everything you saw on social media is completely fake," Konate said, responding to more speculation over his future. "I didn't even ask for something from the club. They made me an offer, and I replied to them with something, that is it.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Fanatics Official Sports Apparel — Liverpool
"The rest (speculation) that I want to wait until the end... I want this, all of it is completely fake. And even the big journalists said in November I am very close to signing the deal. I was like: 'Ah, they have more information than me!?'
"It was not true at that moment and that is why I was a little bit mad because it was not true at this moment. I knew at one moment people would think I didn't want to sign the contract but I was never close to signing it. We will see what will happen."
Konate would go on to add: "Progressing? Not really but my agent met the club last week but I don't know what will happen. I cannot say what my agent said to me but yeah, we will see what will happen."
All of which doesn’t paint the most encouraging of pictures for Liverpool fans who, while clearly enjoying the strides the club is making in the transfer window, will not want to see another top player leaving for nothing in a year’s time.
An original version of this article was first published on June 16.