Ibrahima Konate is understood to be no closer to agreeing a new contract with Liverpool, but sources close to the squad believe the centre-back is likely to stay.
Konate is now officially into the final three months of his deal and with no agreement reached yet it is fair to say there are doubts over his future.
But according to Liverpool sources: “Staying at Anfield is currently viewed as more likely than him leaving.”
The Athletic‘s Gregg Evans and James Pearce report on the impasse and why, despite the delay, Konate could still put pen to paper before the season is up.
It is maintained that, via sources at Liverpool and within the player’s camp, “there has been no breakthrough in talks and an agreement does not feel imminent.”
MILAN, ITALY - Tuesday, December 9, 2025: Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté in the pre-match line-up before the UEFA Champions League game between Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at the Stadio San Siro. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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That comes with Konate weighing up his options and wanting a significant rise on his current wage of around £150,000 per week.
The 26-year-old is “seeking an increase that would bring him into line with some of the club’s higher earners,” with Florian Wirtz‘s salary of £250,000 a week including bonuses used as an example.
For Liverpool, though, it is “not a question of signing at any cost” and any new agreement would need to be in line with their existing structure – which adds to the doubt over an extension.
It is however noted that Konate’s “options appear to be limited” when it comes to a move elsewhere despite his status as an elite-level centre-back yet to reach prime age.
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)
Real Madrid no longer hold an interest while links to both Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have been downplayed.
The chances of joining a Premier League rival such as Man City also seem slim.
One of the key factors behind Konate’s decision could be the immediate fortunes of a club still not guaranteed Champions League football next season.
Furthermore there is a lack of certainty over not only who will be in the dugout next season, with concerns over **Arne Slot**‘s position, but also who will be in charge of recruitment.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, November 3, 2025: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot (L) speaks with Ibrahima Konaté during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid CF. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Richard Hughes will be leading negotiations with Konate’s representatives but it is now widely known that the sporting director’s own contract is up in 2027 and he is of interest to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
There are similar hopes of coaxing Michael Edwards to the Middle East and with Fenway Sports Group now shelving plans to build a multi-club portfolio it is deemed likely that their CEO of football will leave within the next year or so.
But the bottom line when it comes to Konate is positive: though a final decision is yet to be made, Liverpool’s No. 5 appears to be leaning towards extending his stay at Anfield.