The latest Liverpool headlines will be music to the ears of fans
Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool
Ibrahima Konate will be a free agent this summer as things stand(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool can still rescue what has been a lacklustre season - but there's plenty of work to be done. The 2025/26 campaign has ended up being something of a transitional year for the Reds.
Entering it as defending Premier League champions and with a squad reinforced by £450million of summer spending, hopes were high. But injury issues and teething problems meant their title defence never got going.
There are still two trophies up for grabs in the FA Cup and Champions League, though, while qualifying for Europe's premier competition again is top of the domestic agenda. That'll be key for next season, when Arne Slot will hope to be back to full strength.
Konate contract update
While a lot of the business conducted at Anfield in recent years can be commended, letting contracts reach their final year has been a recurring problem. Konate is the latest to find himself in the awkward position of potentially leaving as a free agent come the end of the season.
The Frenchman, 26, hasn't always been the most consistent performer, and he's spent his fair share of time on the sidelines since his 2021 arrival. But he's firmly a fan favourite and on his day, and a more than worthy partner for Virgil van Dijk.
So the latest update concerning a new deal will be welcome news for Liverpool fans. According to the Athletic, both player and club are willing to reach an agreement, with constructive and cordial talks ongoing.
Ekitike on Messi influence
One of the shining lights of the season has been Ekitike, although he recently declared he's "not happy" with just 16 goals in 39 appearances so far. The Frenchman has big goals, telling TNT Sports: "I think I can [be one of the world's best strikers].
"I think I can, there's like room for improvement, I have to work more and progress but obviously like I am where I want to be. I am here and when I say I am not scared of anything, I don't fear pressure or people having expectations of me.
Lionel Messi of PSG and Hugo Ekitike during the Ligue 1 match between Clermont Foot and Paris Saint-Germain at Stade Gabriel Montpied on August 6, 2022
Ekitike is grateful for his time alongside Messi(Image: Getty Images)
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"I actually love that, to be here, playing games, being involved in big competitions, I always wanted to be there and playing those kinds of games, being at such a big club. So that is why I said [I have no fear] and I still feel the same."
While only 23, he has experience of three of Europe's top five leagues and during his time at PSG, he got to learn from eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi. Speaking about the influence he had on him, Ekitike added: "It was difficult for me to go on the pitch and do what Leo was doing on the same level.
"I have never reached that level, not even yet. So it was about learning, training on the pitch, I saw a lot of great things. Not even skills, I learned how to move without the ball, how to touch the ball, how to score goals and gain confidence in games.
"Obviously when I look back, it was not a great time for me, but it was what I needed at that time. I learned so much, honestly I am so grateful to have been there with such great players and when I look back there is a great picture that I can put in my house because I played with the best player in the world, in the history of football. So it is nice, it is great."