Ibrahima Konate is now expected to sign a new contract with Liverpool, with talks advancing ahead of a likely agreement before the summer’s World Cup.
Konate’s contract situation has loomed over a difficult season for both player and club, but the priority has remained to tie the centre-back down to a new long-term deal.
Despite links with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, who have been free to hold talks with the Frenchman since January 1, there has been little suggestion he is close to a move away.
Instead Konate is now expected to put pen to paper on an improved contract, with Liverpool journalist David Lynch writing on his Substack that talks are advancing.
The 26-year-old is set to follow Ryan Gravenberch in signing new terms having sought a significant increase on his current salary of around £150,000 a week.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 4, 2026: Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté during the pre-match warm-up before the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
According to French newspaper L’Equipe, who reported the likelihood of Konate re-signing earlier this week, the player’s camp are looking for a resolution before the World Cup.
That and the lack of concrete offers from elsewhere have seemingly strengthened Liverpool’s hand, though the terms of any agreement are as yet unknown.
Lynch’s report comes on the back of a miserable night against PSG in the Champions League, after which Jamie Carragher criticised Konate as having been “awful all season.”
“People have criticised Van Dijk this season for his performances. I think it has been harsh,” he said on CBS Sports.
“He plays every game, the fella next to him’s just been awful all season, poor again tonight Konate, makes a mistake every game. So that’s not easy to play alongside.”
Why Ibrahima Konate’s new contract is a positive for Liverpool
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 31, 2026: Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Newcastle United FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
That is perhaps unfair, with Konate having been much-improved in recent weeks, but Liverpool would be forgiven for delaying any announcement over the No. 5’s future until the mood brightens.
Despite some high-profile errors, it is undoubtedly positive that Konate is set to commit to an extended stay at Anfield, with one less issue to face heading into the summer.
With Virgil van Dijk nearing the twilight of his career, securing the future of his centre-back partner is vital at a time when Liverpool will look to integrate two new young options in Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet.
Leoni is on the mend after undergoing ACL surgery in October and he is likely to join Jacquet as part of the first group back for pre-season in July.
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