It’s been a season of ups and downs for Liverpool, who began the campaign with plenty of optimism after lifting the Premier League title last season. Those expectations haven’t exactly translated into reality, with the Reds nowhere near the title race, while Arne Slot’s side are outsiders for the Champions League too.
However, Liverpool fans have been granted a boost, given Ryan Gravenberch has put pen to paper on a new contract with the club. The Dutchman emerged as a crown jewel in this Liverpool side last season, when Slot opted against spending big on a new holding midfielder, instead putting his faith in the Ajax academy graduate.
The 20-time English champions have tied Gravenberch down on a long-term deal until 2032, but the Liverpool faithful will be hoping that isn’t where their contract extensions this season end. That’s because one of the team’s best players still hasn’t penned fresh terms, with his deal set to expire at the end of the season.
However, reports from Spain put an end to that speculation just before the turn of the year, with many expecting Konate to go on and sign an extension. That hasn’t turned out to be the case just yet, and given it’s a World Cup year, with Konate set to spend his summer in North America with the French national team, Liverpool are running out of time to tie the defender down.
The latest reports suggest that Liverpool and Konate are locked in discussions, with the feeling that a breakthrough will be found before the 26-year-old’s contract expires. According to TEAMtalk, the most lucrative offer yet has been presented to Konate’s camp, but they face competition from some of the biggest names from the continent.
While Real Madrid are no longer in the mix, their El Clasico rivals Barcelona are believed to have joined the hunt, as they look to lure him to La Liga. Meanwhile, Inter Milan have held an interest for some time, but could struggle to match Konate’s salary demands.
If Liverpool want to give themselves the best chance of success in the near future, they have to do everything within their power to keep Konate at the club.