Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate contract expires at the end of the season and the defender's future still remains unclear with talks still ongoing regarding fresh terms
08:28, 13 Mar 2026
Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool FC looks on before the match. Galatasaray SK and Liverpool FC faced each other at UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Round of 16 - 1st leg. The match took place in Ali Sami Yen Rams Park Stadium on March 10th, 2026. (Photo by Burak Basturk / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images)
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Ibrahima Konate's contract expires at the end of the season(Image: BURAK BASTURK, Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool can still salvage what has been a disappointing campaign - but considerable effort remains required. The 2025/26 season has turned into somewhat of a rebuilding year for the Reds.
Beginning as reigning Premier League champions and with a squad bolstered by £450million of summer investment, expectations were elevated. Yet fitness concerns and early struggles meant their title defence never gained momentum. Two trophies remain within reach in the FA Cup and Champions League, however, whilst securing qualification for Europe's elite competition again tops the domestic priorities. That'll prove crucial for next season, when Arne Slot will anticipate returning to full strength.
Uncertainty persists regarding what his starting line-up will resemble by then, with Ibrahima Konate amongst current regulars whose future remains unclear. An update on his contract circumstances features in the latest Liverpool news round-up.
Konate contract update
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - MARCH 10: Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool FC battles for the ball with Noa Lang of Galatasaray SK during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Galatasaray SK and Liverpool FC at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on March 10, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by BSR Agency/Getty Images)
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Ibrahima Konate's future remains unresolved(Image: BSR Agency, Getty Images)
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Whilst much of the transfer activity undertaken at Anfield in recent years deserves praise, allowing contracts to reach their final year has become a persistent issue. Konate represents the latest to find himself in the uncomfortable situation of potentially departing as a free agent at season's end.
The Frenchman, 26, hasn't always delivered the most reliable displays, and he's endured considerable periods injured since arriving in 2021. Yet he remains a firm fans' favourite and when at his best, proves a more than capable partner for Virgil van Dijk.
Therefore the recent developments regarding fresh terms will prove encouraging news for Liverpool supporters. According to the Athletic, both player and club are prepared to strike an agreement, with productive discussions continuing.
Ekitike on Messi influence
MONTPELLIER, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 1: Lionel Messi of PSG celebrates his goal with Hugo Ekitike (left) while Montpellier goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte looks on during the Ligue 1 match between Montpellier HSC (MHSC) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Stade de la Mosson on February 1, 2023 in Montpellier, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
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Hugo Ekitike learnt from Lionel Messi(Image: Jean Catuffe, Getty Images)
One of the standout performers this campaign has been Ekitike, though he recently admitted he's "not happy" with just 16 goals in 39 outings thus far. The Frenchman harbours lofty 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.
"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."
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Despite being just 23, he boasts experience across three of Europe's premier five leagues and whilst at PSG, he had the opportunity to study under eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi. Discussing the impact the Argentine had on him, Ekitike continued: "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."