Gakpo has already shown why Liverpool fans should not panic over Konate’s future - opinion

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Ibrahima Konate is still yet to commit his long-term future to Liverpool. The Reds may have had an excellent transfer window that saw plenty of new arrivals come through the door, but there are still some big problems that they need to sort out.Not only are there issues to solve on the pitch, but away from the field, there are still contract situations that need to be dealt with, most notably Konate’s.The Frenchman’s deal is set to expire in the summer and despite being offered a new contract a while ago, no progression had been made.With Real Madrid sniffing around, many fans are worried that he might ‘do a Trent Alexander-Arnold’ and join them for free, although his teammate Cody Gakpo may have already given Liverpool fans a glimmer of hope.Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty ImagesCody Gakpo opened up about how his contract negotiations wentSometimes offering an existing player a new contract is just as important as signing a top talent, with these being the stars that already know the club inside out.One of these players who has recently been offered a new deal was winger Gakpo, with the Dutchman signing a two-and-a-half year extension.Many fans may be wondering: What does this have to do with Konate’s contract situation?

Which is a fair point until hearing what Gakpo had to say about how negotiations went.As per the Liverpool Echo, Gakpo stated that talks over a new deal were in motion over a year before he actually signed, showing just how long it takes.As well as this, the 26-year-old was very keen to sign a new contract and was desperate to stay at Anfield, something Konate has not yet indicated whether he feels the same.READ MORE: Ronald Koeman gives update on Ryan Gravenberch after Liverpool star taken off with hamstring problemSo, if agreeing a contract with someone who is very happy and settled takes so long to reach, it adds further evidence to suggest that these things do not happen overnight and Konate’s may take a little while longer.Ibrahima Konate’s situation must be solved by JanuaryLiverpool never like leaving things late, but with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk signing contracts towards the end of their previous deals, there is a chance this might happen again. However, the Reds need to try their best to get Konate’s situation dealt with by January for many reasons, with the first being that clubs can start to agree a pre-contract with him ready for the summer.As well as this, Liverpool already need to sign at least one defender in the transfer market, meaning that they could go a little bolder if they know Konate is leaving.Overall, it is clear that things are not quite going to plan and the defender’s future is very much up in the air, but Liverpool fans must hold out hope as there is evidence to suggest there is still a chance he stays.