Despite Ibrahima Konate recently calling a new contract “close,” journalist David Ornstein has claimed that Liverpool and the player are “still at a stalemate.”
With Konate’s contract expiring this summer, the Frenchman is yet to sign a new deal to keep him at Liverpool into next season.
Journalist David Ornstein has delivered the latest update on talks, but it wasn’t an optimistic message.
“The situation is still at a stalemate and it’s not looking particularly positive,” the reporter told NBC.
“Although, until either side walks away, there is still hope of course that that could reach a positive conclusion for him to stay at Anfield.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, April 7, 2026: Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 1st Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Liverpool FC. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
In addition, reporter Matteo Moretto, who hasn’t got as strong a track record as Ornstein, wrote: “The club is now the one that’s undecided about whether to renew the contract.
“The club is stalling; it’s not entirely convinced about renewing, under certain conditions. The outcome is still up in the air, but there are doubts.”
Ibrahima Konate said an agreement is “close”
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté during the pre-match warm-up before the FA Premier League match between Sunderland AFC and Liverpool FC at the Stadium of Light. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The latest line on Konate’s contract, that talks have stalled, is somewhat surprising given that the player said “we are close to an agreement” just three weeks ago.
Following Liverpool’s win over Everton, the 26-year-old commented: “My future? To be fair, there are many things people have said, but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement.
“I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible but we are in a good way. For sure there is a big chance I’m here next season. This is what I always wanted.
“I’m waiting to sort the contract, but when everything is sorted you will have to ask Richard (Hughes, Liverpool’s sporting director) what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.
“It was a tough year and I think if everyone knew exactly what happened to me, they could understand many things, which kind of sacrifices I’ve done for this club.
“Right now we focus on the end of the season and make sure we are qualified for the Champions League and after we (can) take the time to talk about the season because it’s going to be a big part of my story and it’s sad in one part (his father died in January).”
Konate’s contract is set to expire as June turns to July, while the France international is at the World Cup. Therefore, the parties will likely need to reach an agreement before the tournament kicks off on June 11.