The start of the final week of 2025 sees Ibrahima Konate‘s contract in the news, in addition to contradictory reports on Antoine Semenyo and his January transfer.
Ibrahima Konate contract latest
Much like last season, Liverpool will enter the new year with players out of contract and a final decision yet to be made public.
Ibrahima Konate has had contract offers tabled but the *Mail*‘s Lewis Steele reports that “no breakthrough” has been found in talks “just yet” between his representatives and the club.
The Frenchman can officially talk to clubs overseas from Thursday, January 1, over a summer move as a free agent, as is also the case with Marc Guehi.
LEEDS, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 6, 2025: Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté arrives before the FA Premier League match between Leeds United FC and Liverpool FC at Elland Road. The game ended in a 3-3 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
While his performances have not always been up to the standard expected of him this season, losing Konate on a free transfer would be far from ideal.
Another contract saga beckons, or so it appears, though it would be nice to deviate from last season’s drama and make any decision public as soon as possible, irrespective of its good or bad.
Mixed reports on Antoine Semenyo transfer
Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo during a pre-season friendly match at Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth. Picture date: Saturday August 9, 2025.
• Antoine Semenyo‘s representatives were due to meet Man City on Monday after reports that Liverpool were “contemplating a move.” That has been dismissed by some, while Steele stated they are not to be ruled out if they receive any encouragement from the player
• Mo Salah was named on the bench for Egypt in their final group game at AFCON as their place in the last 16 was already confirmed – he was one of 11 to drop out
• Three centre-backs have been linked with Liverpool, and they’re ones we’ve heard of before – one is Guehi’s partner at Palace, and another is a 6’4″ homegrown option. But are any right for Slot?
• Leeds are expected to be without key centre-back Joe Rodon for their trip to Anfield this week after an injury over the weekend, it could force them into another system change
• James McConnell is “likely” to be recalled from his loan at Ajax; he has four Championship sides interested and that includes Vitor Matos’ new club
STATS: Liverpool’s second-half struggles
Joanna Durkan took a look at how Liverpool continue to be exposed in the second half of matches, with the help of FotMob:
“In the most recent four Premier League matches, Liverpool have conceded a combined 30 second-half shots (11 on target) compared to 20 total shots in the first half (three on target).
“Thankfully for Liverpool, they won three of the four to help draw attention away from their continued struggles, but the average position of their four most recent league opponents is 15th.
“With sterner tests on the horizon, Liverpool cannot afford to lack the courage to take the game on.”
READ: Slot gets another second-half warning as defensive drop-off exposed
Elsewhere in the football world today
LYON, FRANCE - Wednesday, July 6, 2016: Portugal's captain Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates the 2-0 victory over Wales during the UEFA Euro 2016 Championship Semi-Final match at the Stade de Lyon. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Cristiano Ronaldo has said retirement is not on the horizon until he at least scores 1,000 goals – he’s currently on 956 – bet you’re all relieved to know that…
• Diogo Jota‘s parents accepted a special award in Diogo Jota‘s honour at the Globe Soccer Awards on Sunday. It was another emotional tribute to the late forward
• FIFA president Gianni Infantino has sought to dismiss the outrageous World Cup ticket prices by pointing to the “absolutely crazy” ticket demand – to be that detached from reality, eh! (BBC)
Liverpool FC: On this day
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 29, 2018: Liverpool's Roberto Firmino scores the fifth goal with team-mates during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
We’re going back to 2018 and the glorious day that Roberto Firmino scored his first career hat-trick against the side he loved scored against most, Arsenal.
Jurgen Klopp‘s side sent the Gunners home licking their wounds after inflicting a 5-1 defeat, with Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah all on the scoresheet – what a front three that was!
Ainsley Maitland-Niles had actually scored first to put Arsenal ahead in the 11th minute, but four goals in the first half to Liverpool made sure the three points were only going one way.
It’s been too long since we’ve got to enjoy an emphatic win like that!