Exclusive: Liverpool set for crunch contract talks with Ibrahima Konate as soft deadline is set

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.

Exclusive with Graeme Bailey.Liverpool are set for key talks with Ibrahima Konate over a contract extension during the November international break, Rousing The Kop understands.Konate’s deal will expire at the end of the current season, with the Frenchman free to sign a pre-agreement with clubs in Europe from January onwards.Liverpool have been speaking with Konate‘s camp over an extension for much of the past year, although RTK understands talks have remained deadlocked for some months.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. The Reds had hoped to finally come to an arrangement with the centre-back during the October pause in play, but sources have told RTK that things did not progress during that time.Instead, Liverpool and Konate’s representatives are ready to return to the table in November, with a mutual understanding that it may be a final roll of the dice.Photo by Carl Recine/Getty ImagesLiverpool still hopeful of Ibrahima Konate extensionKonate has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, and RTK understands that the Spanish giants will be in the mix should he leave Anfield in 2026.However, Konate’s exit is not seen as an inevitability at Liverpool, with senior figures still believing he could yet sign new terms.There is an appreciation that things need to progress soon, though, and RTK has been told that the November talks are being viewed as a soft deadline for Konate.READ MORE: Liverpool insiders give clue over Mohamed Salah’s Anfield future after social media storm – EXCLUSIVEShould a breakthrough fail to be made once again, Liverpool are likely to begin accepting that the France international will leave on a free transfer.For the time being, RTK has been told that insiders at Anfield are currently not leaning one way or another, with all options remaining on the table.The predicament is seen as being different to that of Trent Alexander-Arnold last season, when the former right-back was set on a move to Real Madrid.Konate’s situation is being viewed as one that could still change, but there is belief rather than confidence that a deal can be struck.Liverpool assessing centre-back marketRegardless of what eventually happens with Konate, RTK understands that Liverpool are ready to sign at least one new centre-back in 2026.A deal for Marc Guehi remains possible, and could even be moved forward to January if the Reds feel there is a need to reinforce mid-season.However, Guehi is far from being the only player on Liverpool’s radar.

Should Konate leave, they are likely to bring in two new faces.The likes of Murillo and Jarrad Branthwaite could still come into the equation, with Liverpool fully aware of which players are likely to be available in 2026.