Ibrahima Konate is hurtling towards the end of his current Liverpool contract with supporters beginning to accept that he may leave.
It has been a difficult year for the Frenchman, who recently lost his father, and his poor form has led to many questioning whether it is better if he did leave at the end of the season.
However, Konate‘s performances have improved markedly in recent months. At his best the 26-year-old is still one of Europe’s leading centre-backs and the Liverpool squad is better for having him in it.
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Nevertheless, the signing of Jeremy Jacquet for next season looked like being another nail in Konate’s Liverpool career. Jacquet is clearly being readied for a big role at Anfield and there would be less immediate room for that if his countryman stuck around.
But despite things starting to feel inevitable in regards to Konate’s exit, Arne Slot spoke out ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester City to confirm the welcome news that contract discussions are still ongoing for Liverpool’s No. 5.
Liverpool still trying to extend Ibrahima Konate’s contract
Given the Jacquet signing and the lack of news surrounding a potential extension, it had felt possible that Liverpool and Konate had already agreed to part ways.
However, speaking to Sky Sports on Sunday, Slot gave a surprise update to blow this rumour apart.
Ibrahima Konate applauds after Liverpool's Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
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“We are still in talks with Ibou,” he said when discussing Jacquet among Liverpool’s centre-back options for next season.
“Giovanni Leoni hopefully comes back from an injury after the summer. So, we’ve signed him [Jacquet] for the summer and we’re happy and glad we’ve signed him because I think we weren’t the only ones interested in such a talent.”
Pushed to disclose a little more about Konate’s contract talks, Slot typically played his cards close to his chest, but the fact that talks are indeed ongoing is a positive step which suggests a resolution may still be found.
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Ibrahima Konate celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Newcastle in the Premier League at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC
“You never know, as we always say, contract talks are held in different rooms than these and when there’s news we share it with the world in rooms where you are!” he smiled. “But as long as that’s not the situation these conversations stay private.
“These players [Konate and Andy Robertson] have done a lot for the club and will do a lot for the club in the upcoming half year and who knows longer than that, but these are talks that are taking place elsewhere.”
What are the chances of Konate staying?
If talks had ceased between Konate and Liverpool, Slot would certainly not have voluntarily offered this information.
That he did so when looking ahead to Jacquet being part of the group next season would potentially suggest that there is some confidence he may well sign.
Despite his difficulties this season, that would be superb news for Liverpool fans. Konate is a huge character and having him around to aid the likes of Leoni and Jacquet in particular would be a big help.
Should the France international stay put, Liverpool would no longer need to go into the market for another centre-back this summer. Their work would already be done.
With only four months remaining on his contract, there is obviously still a better chance that Konate leaves than stays. But this is a positive step, and it would not be such a big surprise if an extension ended up being signed.
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