Ibrahima Konaté is close to agreeing a new contract with Liverpool, a move that could provide a significant boost to the club’s summer transfer plans after months of uncertainty over his future.
The French centre-back, who joined LIVERPOOL from RB Leipzig in 2021 for around £35 million, has been in the final stages of his contract with his deal due to expire at the end of the 2025–26 season. That drew considerable speculation in recent months, with heavy links to top European clubs including Real Madrid — though interest from Spain reportedly cooled as negotiations progressed at Anfield
But Konate suggested he indicated to club officials at the start of the campaign he was inclined to sign a new contract and, after months of uncertainty, that now appears to have finally come to fruition.
“My future? 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,” said the 26-year-old after the 2-1 Merseyside derby win at Everton.
“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, Liverpool’s sporting director) what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.
“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.
“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 (his father died in January).”
The potential contract extension comes at a pivotal moment for Liverpool as they prepare for a summer of squad restructuring and transfer activity. With several senior players’ futures still to be resolved and others entering the final years of their contracts, securing Konaté’s long-term future gives manager Arne Slot a valuable building block around which to plan.
From a sporting perspective, keeping Konaté avoids losing a homegrown defensive anchor on a free transfer, while also avoiding the need for an immediate replacement in a market where quality centre-backs are at a premium. That could free up resources to target reinforcements in other areas identified as priorities by Liverpool’s recruitment team.
Nevertheless, while Konaté’s comments and reports suggest an agreement is near, the deal has not yet been formally announced.
LIVERPOOL fans will be watching closely in the coming weeks as the club looks to conclude the negotiations and enter the summer transfer window with more certainty over one of its most influential defender
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