Ibrahima Konate is yet to sign a new contract with Liverpool but talks are ongoing and “constructive,” with both player and club seeking an agreement.
Konate’s current deal expires on June 30, 2026, and despite initial contact being made in October 2024 there has been no resolution to talks.
Clubs overseas are now able to approach the Frenchman for a pre-contract agreement, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain linked, and there has been a growing feeling that he will leave as a free agent.
However The Athletic’s David Ornstein has provided an encouraging update around Konate’s future, with talks continuing between Liverpool and his representatives.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 22, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister celebrates with team-mate Ibrahima Konaté (R) after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Liverpool FC at the City Ground. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“I think there’s constructive conversation around that one,” he told The Athletic FC Podcast.
“I do think there is still a will on both sides, player and club, to try and find an agreement.
“It’s not there yet, but the conversations, from what we hear, are continuing and are pretty cordial.”
Liverpool therefore find themselves in a similar situation to this time last year when both Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk were yet to finalise new deals.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 31, 2026: Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté (L) embraced by team-mate captain Virgil van Dijk after being overcome with emotion, his first game since the death of his father, after scoring his side's fourth goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Newcastle United FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Their extensions were only announced in April, which though far from an ideal situation could inform the club’s stance when it comes to Konate.
Essentially, Liverpool will not see a departure as a foregone conclusion unless explicitly informed that will be the case.
With talks ongoing and seemingly positive, it may well be that Konate’s camp can strike an agreement with the club’s decision-makers before the campaign is up.
Despite his struggle in the 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray on Tuesday night, tying the 26-year-old down to a new long-term contract would be a major boost to Liverpool’s plans.
Liverpool FC: Centre-Back Options
Player Age Foot / Side
Virgil van Dijk 34 Left
Ibrahima Konate 26 Right
Joe Gomez 28 Right
Giovanni Leoni 19 Right
Jeremy Jacquet 20 Right
Ifeanyi Ndukwe 17 Right
Mor Talla Ndiaye 18 Left
Amara Nallo 19 Left
Wellity Lucky 20 Right
Having signed 19-year-old Giovanni Leoni last summer and with a £60 million deal for 20-year-old Jeremy Jacquet lined up for the next transfer window, the future of their defence is already in place.
Add to that the lower-profile signings of Mor Talla Ndiaye (£1m) and Ifeanyi Ndukwe (£2.5m) and Liverpool’s centre-back options for the next decade could be set.
But while Van Dijk is in the autumn of his career at 34, Konate is not even at peak age yet, and ensuring his commitment can help smooth the transition for when the captain eventually leaves.
Though having never worn the armband yet, Konate is frequently mentioned as one of the most influential players in the Liverpool dressing room – and with many of the leaders on their way out, that could be just as important as his efforts on the pitch.