After a frustrating few days for Liverpool fans, some positive headlines should brighten the mood
Ibrahima Konate has confirmed he has been offered a new contract at Liverpool
Ibrahima Konate remains out of contract at the end of the season(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Liverpool can still salvage what has been a below-par season, but significant work remains. The 2025/26 campaign has turned out to be somewhat of a transitional period for the Reds.
Going into it as reigning Premier League champions and with a squad bolstered by £450million of summer investment, expectations were high. However, such a turnover of players always requires a bedding-in period, and that plus injury issues meant their title defence never gained momentum.
Two trophies remain a possibility in the FA Cup and Champions League, whilst securing qualification for Europe's elite competition is the primary domestic objective. That will be crucial for next season, when Arne Slot will be hoping to have a fully fit squad available.
FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page
Questions remain about what his starting XI will look like by that point, with Ibrahima Konate amongst the current regulars whose future remains uncertain. An update on his contract circumstances features in our latest Liverpool news round-up, alongside Hugo Ekitike's most recent noteworthy remarks.
Konate contract update
Whilst much of the transfer activity conducted at Anfield in recent years deserves praise, allowing contracts to enter their final year has been a persistent issue. Konate is the latest to find himself in the uncomfortable position of potentially departing as a free agent at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old Frenchman hasn't always delivered consistent performances, and he's spent plenty of time on the sidelines since arriving in 2021. However, he's undoubtedly a fan favourite and at his best, proves more than capable of partnering Virgil van Dijk.
Therefore, the most recent update regarding a new contract will be welcomed by Liverpool supporters. According to the Athletic, both the player and the club are looking to reach an agreement, with productive and amicable discussions continuing.
Ekitike on Messi influence
One of this season's standout performers has been Ekitike, though he recently stated he's "not happy" with just 16 goals in 39 appearances thus far. The Frenchman harbours significant ambitions, 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 learned a lot from Messi(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
"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."
Only 23, he possesses experience across three of Europe's top five leagues and during his spell at PSG, he had the opportunity to learn from eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi. Discussing the impact he had upon 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."
Buy Blood Red, our monthly Liverpool FC print publication for just £3.50 by clicking here