Hugo Ekitike goes public with Ibrahima Konate plea after Liverpool contract snub

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesIbrahima KonatéLiverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has posted a comment on Instagram following the news of Ibrahima Konate's departure emerged after a breakdown in new contract talksIbrahima Konate and Hugo Ekitike during a Champions League game for Liverpool.(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside via Getty Images)Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike has urged Ibrahima Konate to sign a new contract at Anfield amid news that the center-back is set to depart as a free agent this summer.Konate posted a picture of himself arriving for France international duty ahead of the World Cup, where he was set to play alongside Ekitike until the latter's serious Achilles injury saw him ruled out, with Liverpool fans flooding the comments with messages asking the defender to stay.And Ekitike replied to one message telling Konate to "sign the contract" with the words "signe frere" and two laughing emojis. However, the deal was never signed and the expectation now is that he will depart."For sure, there is a big chance I’m here next season," Konate had said at the Hill Dickinson Stadium when he spoke to reporters after helping the Reds to beat Everton."This is what I always wanted.

I’m waiting to sort the contract, but when everything is sorted, you will have to ask Richard (Hughes) what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.Ibrahima Konate will leave Liverpool this summer(Image: Getty Images)"When everything's going to be sorted, I wish you had a discussion with Richard (Hughes) and asked what I said to him a few months ago, before everyone talked about everything. When he’s going to reply, you will see.

I just wish that."Konate also spoke about being a leader within the locker room, with Arne Slot set to lose some big names from his roster this summer, with a clear need for others to step up into leadership roles."I think I'm a leader already for this team, for the younger players, and for everyone to be fair," Konate said."We know this is part of the football life. I started this already and it's a big responsibility.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.