Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have formed a formidable partnership at Liverpool, and the captain doesn’t want his partner to leave.
It was all about the defenders against Sunderland.
Liverpool’s back four were labelled ‘outstanding’ for keeping the home side at bay for 90 minutes.
The defensive duo of Konate and Van Dijk looked as solid as ever.
Change my mind: Liverpool would be CRAZY to let Konate leave 😣
He is back to his best!
Ibrahima Konate battles with Brian Brobbey during Liverpool's Premier League match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light (Credit: Getty Images/Stu Forster).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Stu Forster
Konate’s contract situation at Liverpool appears stuck, but the Dutchman is praying it gets sorted.
Virgil Van Dijk urges ‘world-class’ Ibrahima Konate to stay at Liverpool
After the game, Van Dijk was full of praise for Konate. Given the tough few weeks he has had, it’s great to see him coming back into form.
He discussed the issue of the Frenchman’s contract while talking to Lewis Steele (via X).
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Van Dijk said: “Obviously I want him to stay. He’s an important figure on the pitch. That’s what everyone sees but off the pitch as well, he’s one of the leaders.
“He’s outstanding and in my eyes, a world-class centre-back.”
Ibrahima Konate during Burnley v Liverpool - Premier League
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Konate is still only 26 and has plenty left to give. Whether he gives it to us at Anfield depends on how the Reds handle these ongoing negotiations.
With every player, there’s a limit to what you will give, but it would be wise not to lose such a talented player for free again.
Van Dijk’s stance is clear. He wants pen put to paper and another few seasons of playing with his partner at the back.
Why Virgil van Dijk would benefit from Konate staying
There is obviously a good relationship between the pair, but that’s not the only reason a contract extension would please the captain.
Liverpool’s next high-profile centre-back signing will likely be a Van Dijk replacement.
Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni both prefer the right side.
The year is 2030, how much is Liverpool centre-back Jeremy Jacquet worth!? 💰
Jeremy Jacquet celebrates after scoring for France during their U19 European Championship match against Turkiye. Jeremy Jacquet during Olympique de Marseille v Stade Rennais - French Cup 2025/2026
Credit: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile/UEFA/Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar/Getty Images
If Konate leaves, it will surely be a left-footer who comes in the summer. That leaves Van Dijk either forced to play on his less-favoured right side, or seeing his minutes reduced as competition grows.
Either way, he would surely rather keep the pairing with Konate and let the youngsters gradually work their way into the first-team picture.
Over to you, Richard Hughes.
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