Ibrahima Konate has yet to extend his Liverpool contract, and negotiations aren't looking positive as talks have stalled with just weeks remaining on his current deal
23:09, 11 May 2026
Ibrahima Konate's contract negotiations with Liverpool are "not looking particularly positive"
Ibrahima Konate's contract negotiations with Liverpool are "not looking particularly positive"(Image: Getty)
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is out of contract at the end of this season, and negotiations have stalled as the club attempts to extend his deal.
Konate limped off during the final stages of Liverpool's frustrating 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Saturday, adding to Arne Slot 's injury woes. Thankfully for Liverpool, only two games remain this season, with just one win required to qualify for the Champions League.
The delay in contract progression may reflect the uncertainty surrounding Liverpool, with fans growing frustrated with Slot as head coach. However, Liverpool will continue to support Slot heading into next season, after refusing to consider Xabi Alonso, who is now in talks with Chelsea.
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Liverpool established a championship defense under former head coach Jurgen Klopp, with Virgil van Dijk partnering Konate. Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold became two of the world's best at full-back, with Alisson proving himself as one of the best goalkeepers.
However, Van Dijk is set to enter the final year of his contract and will turn 35 this summer. Alexander-Arnold left last summer, and Robertson will leave the club at the end of the season.
Alisson has also been linked with a summer departure, and now Liverpool is struggling to tie down Konate long-term. According to David Ornstein, contract talks have hit a stalemate.
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Speaking on NBC Sports ahead of Tottenham's 1-1 draw with Leeds United, Ornstein commented on Konate's situation. "One of the uncertain situations at Liverpool involves Ibrahima Konate, who is out of contract at the end of this season," he said.
"As I understand it, the situation is still at a stalemate, and it’s not looking particularly positive, although until either side walks away, there is still hope that it could reach a positive conclusion for him to stay at Anfield."
Liverpool has signed two center-backs in the last 12 months, but one has yet to join the team, and the other suffered a season-ending injury on his debut. Giovanni Leoni was signed as a rising prospect from Italy, but was stretchered off on his debut in the Carabao Cup against Southampton.
Giovanni Leoni suffered a season-ending injury on his Liverpool debut
Giovanni Leoni suffered a season-ending injury on his Liverpool debut(Image: Getty Images)
Jeremy Jacquet will join Liverpool this summer in a deal worth $75 million, after striking a deal with French club Rennes. The deal was finalized in February, but he remained in France until the end of the season as part of the deal.
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Jacquet suffered a serious shoulder injury just days after signing for Liverpool, and hasn't played since. He is expected to be back to full fitness when joining Liverpool for preseason this summer.
Joe Gomez is still at Liverpool and is the club's longest-serving player, having arrived in 2015. While Gomez has been prone to injuries during his career, his loyalty to Liverpool has made him a fan favorite.
Liverpool is expected to invest heavily in the attack this summer, with Salah leaving and more wide options needed. However, if Konate departs on a free transfer, another big defender may be required.