Ibrahima Konaté close to agreeing new contract to stay at Liverpool

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Ibrahima Konaté has said he is close to agreeing a new contract with Liverpool, having informed the club he wanted to stay during negotiations last year.The France international’s deal expires this summer and, with talks over an extension dragging on for over 12 months, Liverpool have been at risk of losing another asset on a free transfer alongside Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.Konaté has attempted to allay those concerns, however, and claimed he is close to extending his successful five-year Anfield career. I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible but we are in a good way.“There is a big chance I’m here next season.

I’m waiting to sort the contract but when everything is sorted you will have to ask Richard [Hughes, Liverpool’s sporting director] what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.”Konaté insisted he had no concerns over the time it has taken to sort a new contract. Konaté returned early from compassionate leave to help Liverpool out of a defensive shortage against Newcastle and scored his first Premier League goal at Anfield in the 4-1 win.Konaté said: “It was a tough year because many things happened and I think if everyone knew exactly what happened to me they could understand many things, which kind of sacrifices I’ve done for this club.

I think it is great and one day I will take the time to think about it.“Right now I am focused on the end of the season and making sure we are qualified for the Champions League next season. It’s sad in one part, but it’s very nice for my story when I explain that to my future kids and the people who support this club.”