Ibrahima Konate has brought an end to speculation surrounding his future, sharing that a contract agreement with Liverpool is close.
Speaking to the BBC after winning the Merseyside derby with Liverpool, Konate confirmed an agreement on a new deal at Anfield is close.
“My future?” Konate asked. “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.”
"There's a big chance I'm here next season" ??
Konate seems confident that he'll be signing a new contract with Liverpool soon ? pic.twitter.com/ZKLs2Zlstr
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) April 20, 2026
Konate continued, adding: “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, the sporting director] what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.
“But this is a negotiation. With Virgil and Mo last season it was exactly the same. I think they signed the contract in April and this is maybe how the club wants it.”
When asked if he believes in Liverpool and he’s seen enough to convince him he can achieve everything he wants to at Anfield, Konate simply replied: “It’s Liverpool”.
Liverpool stance appears to be completing and announcing contracts at the end of the season
Announcing contract agreements at the end of the season means that every season will be set to the discord of reports speculating about the futures of Liverpool players.
Naturally, this happens anyway, but it does mean that future Liverpool contract negotiating patterns will be easier to spot.
By extending Konate’s contract, Liverpool bring an end to the speculation surrounding his future. But it also brings an end to the free transfers at Anfield for the time being.
Andy Robertson is leaving for free, so too is Mohamed Salah, despite his contract only expiring next summer.
Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool last summer for a nominal £8m fee despite his contract ending a month later in order to facilitate his free transfer to Real Madrid in advance to take part at the FIFA Club World Cup.
It’s unclear what Konate’s salary increase will be, but it will be far more affordable to keep him than replace him with a player of his quality.
The Frenchman will need to improve next season to honour the new contract after his standards have sunk to low points this season. Ultimately, the 26-year-old is a £60m defender with the potential to become a £100m centre-back if he can improve certain areas of his game.