Liverpool have had ‘no breakthrough’ in contract talks with this first team player
Liverpool have been linked with multiple transfer targets this window but a report from The Athletic suggests that they could hold fire until the summer, when key figures are likely to leave the club.
Ibrahima Konate’s future has commanded a lot of media attention this season. His contract is due to expire this summer and the Reds are struggling to convince him to commit to a new deal.
The centre-back has reportedly rejected three contract proposals from Liverpool in recent months and the writing now seems to be on the wall regarding his future.
Ibrahima Konate ‘on track’ to leave Liverpool this year
David Ornstein has provided an update on Konate’s situation for The Athletic’s latest Transfer DealSheet. Liverpool seem to be holding out for a major signing in the summer, when the France international’s contract expires. The report claims Konate is now ‘on track’ to leave Liverpool this year and there has been ‘no breakthrough’ in reaching an extension.
Both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are out of contract in 2027, meaning signing new centre-backs is a priority for the Reds. Van Dijk turns 35 in July and Liverpool are eager to sign a strong and influential defender who will eventually succeed the captain.
As for Gomez, his future remains uncertain, as he came close to leaving Anfield last summer. The 28-year-old was in final stage talks with AC Milan on Deadline Day but a deal collapsed as Liverpool were unable to sign a replacement in time. The Italian giants remain interested in Gomez and could reignite their pursuit of him at the end of the season.
Liverpool still looking to sign Marc Guehi
Marc Guehi remains the leading transfer target on Liverpool’s radar and would make sense as a natural replacement for the exit-linked Konate.
After his move to Anfield fell through over the summer, the Reds are determined to strike a deal this year. They are up against stiff competition for his signature but new reports claim the Crystal Palace star still favours a move to Liverpool over anywhere else. This is despite interest from the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal.
The Eagles are said to be willing to discuss a sale this month but they are still looking for somewhere in the region of the £35 million agreed with Liverpool last summer. If no one meets the asking price, it’s every club for themselves once he becomes a free agent.
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