A new update has now dropped regarding the future of Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate, with the Frenchman out of contract next year.
Virgil van Dijk has extended his stay at Anfield, which is significant, but it is still imperative that the Reds plan for life without him eventually.
To some, Konate is the future leader of Liverpool’s defence, having matured into one of the best central defenders in the Premier League.
The £70,000-a-week France international only has one year left on his current deal, however, and both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have been linked with moves for him.
According to L’Equipe [via This Is Anfield], there is still belief at Liverpool that Konate will sign an extension, rather than leave either this summer or in 2026.
The report states that the ball is in the Reds’ court, as they look to make him feel wanted and provide him with improved wages that reflect his importance.
Extension needed, but Konate not perfect
Handing Konate a new deal makes complete sense for Liverpool, considering what a key man he has matured into, being lauded by Van Dijk earlier this season:
“I think we need everyone to be at their best. He is a fantastic player who still can be better. As you saw, he is important with the goal, he is defensively solid, a bit unlucky with the goal we conceded, but obviously the qualities he has are outstanding in my opinion. He is learning, growing, getting better and looking after himself much better in order to be ready every three days as that’s what asked.”
That said, Konate could still do with finding another gear if he wants to become be Liverpool’s star defender, with some of his performances of late not wholly convincing, albeit after the Reds have won the Premier League.
He is an excellent defender, but isn’t perfect when Van Dijk isn’t around, and if he is to be given a shiny new contract, he needs to turn into a world-class centre-back, which he is capable of.
Retaining Konate’s services makes far more sense than moving him on, though, and the hope is that his head isn’t turned by PSG and Madrid.