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It’s been a remarkable first season as Liverpool head coach for Arne Slot, who guided the team to a record-equalling 20th league title with four games to spare.

The Reds appear to be at the start of something special, but there's no denying that this season has been overshadowed by a subplot that only reached its conclusion this week.

While Slot’s side surged to Premier League glory, the club were simultaneously fighting to retain three of their most important players, including the captain, vice-captain and top goalscorer.

Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold all entered the final years of their contracts this season.

However, it should serve as a stark warning of the risks involved in allowing a key player to enter the final 12 months of their contract when the club wishes to retain them.

While it may have been unavoidable in this case - and Liverpool were fortunate that Van Dijk and Salah were determined to stay put, the same cannot be said for others who will soon find themselves in similar circumstances.

The bottom line for Liverpool is that a decision on Konate’s future must be made this summer.

Luis Diaz, however, is out of contract in 2027, meaning a decision on the Colombian’s future is not far off either.

Liverpool have shown over the years that they are willing to let players leave on free transfers when keeping them for a final season is considered more valuable than any transfer fee

That said, his quip of “Four weeks to go!” when last asked about Alexander-Arnold’s situation at the end of April, suggests even he was growing tired of the ongoing sideshow.

If the 2025/26 campaign kicks off in August with no resolution over Konate’s future, the head coach may find himself answering the same questions all over again.