Ibrahima Konate revealed he is close to signing a new Liverpool contract, a significant development for the club ahead of yet another decisive summer.
Much like last season, the question marks hanging over players without a contract beyond the summer proved frustrating as time seemed to pass without any positive developments.
And again, one player has confirmed they will be leaving (Andy Robertson) to leave all eyes on Konate, who left many assuming his days at Anfield were numbered.
After the Merseyside derby, however, the Frenchman revealed “we are close to an agreement” on a new contract, which he says is “what I always wanted.”
It was a surprise development, but one that should be viewed positively for Liverpool.
Ibrahima Konate has not had the best season, but his future should be at Liverpool
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 22, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister celebrates with team-mate Andy Robertson (L) and Ibrahima Konaté (R) after scoring the winning goal in the 97th minute during the FA Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Liverpool FC at the City Ground. Liverpool won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
He is not alone in this, but it has been an inconsistent season for Konate, whose concentration has been lacking, gifting the opposition too many opportunities to take aim at goal.
At his best, he is physically dominant and effectively repels attacks either via the air or the ground, but there have been few guarantees of which player you will see from match to match.
It has, however, been a campaign of personal struggle for the 26-year-old, first tragically losing Diogo Jota, then his father, Hamady, and being on the receiving end of racial abuse.
Experiences which he alluded to when speaking to reporters about his contract: “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.
Ibrahima Konate: Games missed due to injury
Season Games Missed
2021/22 0
2022/23 19
2023/24 6
2024/25 8
2025/26 0
“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.”
Through all of that, though, he has been a steady presence for Arne Slot, sitting out only six of Liverpool’s 52 games this season – he was rested for three and was given personal leave for three.
He has not missed a game due to injury since December 29, 2024, a significant development for his career trajectory after frustrating issues throughout his early years at Anfield.
At 26, soon to be 27 at the end of May, he is only now entering the prime years of his career and Liverpool tying him down to a new contract is the best possible outcome for the club.
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)
While he might have shortcomings, which player does not, let’s not forget he is a player who ranks in the top three percent in the league for duels won (top five percent for aerial duels won), and the top nine percent for tackles.
He knows what it means to represent the badge, how to achieve success, is a popular member of the squad, and, importantly, is the bridge between the present and future of Liverpool’s centre-back ranks.
The idea that he could simply pack up and move to another club this summer became an all too real scenario.
Ibrahima Konate staying opens up other doors for Liverpool
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 31, 2026: Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté (L) embraced by team-mate captain Virgil van Dijk after being overcome with emotion, his first game since the death of his father, 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)
The possibility of losing a centre-back in his prime on a free transfer has always been viewed negatively from a squad planning standpoint. How did they let it get this far?
The revolving door of sporting directors has been far from ideal, but Konate’s links to PSG and Real Madrid created a reality that allowed him to walk for nothing in return.
To buy a soon-to-be 27-year-old central defender with Konate’s experience and ability could easily set you back £70 million, money Liverpool need to spend elsewhere.
With an extension seemingly looming for Konate, it allows the club to forget about investing any significant funds in another centre-back and instead focus on other positions, like wingers or the midfield.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Friday, August 15, 2025: Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It also opens the door to any market opportunities, which Bournemouth‘s Marcos Senesi (28) would represent as he is available on a free transfer this summer, though Tottenham are viewed as the frontrunners should they stay up.
By simply committing his future to the club, Konate will open a different set of doors for Liverpool ahead of what is currently Virgil van Dijk‘s final season at the club.
In Van Dijk and Konate, Liverpool would retain their first-choice pairing during another summer of change, which could yet see a new head coach appointed.
This continuity, when the likes of Robertson, Mo Salah and possibly even Alisson (if Italian reports are to be believed) depart, cannot be understated as the next in line bide their time.
There’s an important leadership role for him to play
3BA119J Jeremy JACQUET of Rennes during the French championship Ligue 1 football match between Stade Rennais and OGC Nice on 10 May 2025 at Roazhon Park in Rennes, France
As has been well documented, Liverpool had not invested heavily at centre-back in the years following Konate’s arrival in 2021.
But that has changed since the summer, with Giovanni Leoni (19) and Jeremy Jacquet (20) both added to the squad, two exciting young centre-backs who are viewed as the future in the position.
They are both currently injured but are expected to be fit for pre-season in July, and they will thrive with the guidance and experience of Van Dijk and Konate.
They will ask new questions of Konate when it comes to his leadership qualities after the aforementioned departures of key figures, but the Frenchman is aware that responsibility awaits.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 19, 2026: Liverpool's Andy Robertson is pushed in front of the travelling supporters to celebrate by team-mates Ibrahima Konaté (L) and Curtis Jones (R) after the FA Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC, the 248th Merseyside Derby, at Bramley-Moore Dock. Liverpool won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“The legends are going to leave one day and after it’s going to be our turn to take the lead,” he said.
“I started this already and it’s a big responsibility but I need the help of everyone as well.”
Konate can act as the bridge between the current era with Van Dijk and the future with Leoni and fellow Frenchman Jacquet, just as the Dutchman did for him all those years ago.
A new contract negates piling the responsibility on one of the young centre-backs too early or asking a new signing to slot in seamlessly, especially after a season to forget for the club.
It is why it will be of relief to Liverpool once they rubber stamp the deal to commit Konate’s long-term future to Anfield, as it never made sense not to do everything they could to keep him.