Not just Konate: Liverpool have three other major contracts which ‘need to be addressed’
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Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes is actively managing the club’s contract renewals amid a period of transition following Jurgen Klopp's departure. Although Hughes faced early challenges, such as the failed £51m Martin Zubimendi transfer, he has overseen a record-breaking summer spend of £446m and retains confidence in the squad built by Klopp. Hughes and new head coach Slot Hughes Edwards have agreed not to overhaul the team drastically for the 2024-25 season but to build on its established strengths.
Hughes' current focus includes negotiating extensions for key players to secure Liverpool's core for the future. Among these are high-profile contract talks for defender Ibrahima Konate, whose deal is due to expire at the season's end; these negotiations have been ongoing since November 2024. Additionally, Hughes has recently finalized extensions for Cody Gakpo and arranged a loan deal for goalkeeper James McConnell to Ajax, demonstrating a balance between immediate squad needs and player development.
Liverpool are also investing in younger talent, exemplified by the signing of Hungarian goalkeeper Armin Pecsi, who has committed to a five-year contract. Pecsi's agent highlighted the club’s long-term vision, emphasizing that Pecsi’s intelligence and ambition align with Liverpool’s professional plan.
While enjoying a brief international break, Hughes will soon turn his attention to resuming talks on other transfer targets, including the potential January reopening of a deal for Marc Guehi. The club's strategy under Hughes involves measured squad reinforcement, contract security for key personnel, and the nurturing of future talents, all elements aimed at sustaining Liverpool’s competitiveness beyond Klopp’s era.
PP