Ibrahima Konate Contract Talks ‘Not Dead’ as Liverpool Discussions Continue

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed ongoing contract negotiations with defender Ibrahima Konate, whose current deal expires in June 2026, signaling the club's strong desire for him to stay amid injury concerns in defense[2][3][1]. The 26-year-old French center-back, who joined from RB Leipzig in 2021, has been a reliable presence this season despite ups and downs, partnering effectively with captain Virgil van Dijk and providing stability in a depleted backline[3][5].

Earlier rumors linked Konate to a free transfer to Real Madrid at the end of the 2025-26 season, but reports suggest Spanish interest has cooled due to perceived dips in form[1][4][5]. Slot addressed this directly, stating, “We are in talks with him so that tells you what we want. It’s clear we would like him to stay but negotiations are ongoing so let’s see where that ends. We wouldn’t be in negotiations if we didn’t want him to stay”[1][3][4]. He praised Konate's fitness and partnership with Van Dijk, noting their vital role given limited options behind them, especially with injuries to players like Joe Gomez and Jeremy Frimpong[3][5].

Slot defended Konate's performances, highlighting strong early-season games overshadowed by minor errors that led to goals, emphasizing how fine margins affect perceptions[3]. Van Dijk echoed the sentiment, calling Konate a "world-class center-back" and leader both on and off the pitch. The captain, drawing from his own renewal experience, said, “Naturally, I want him to stay... but ultimately, it rests with the club, his agents, and him”[1][4].

With deadlines approaching, these developments shift the narrative from potential departure to renewed optimism for a long-term Anfield stay, crucial for Liverpool's defensive depth[2][5].