Ibrahima Konate 'mixed messages' contract claim as Liverpool deal nears expiry
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesIbrahima KonatéIbrahima Konate said last weekend that there is a "big chance" that he will be at Liverpool next season, but as things stand he is due to become a free agent in two monthsIbrahima Konate during a Liverpool training session(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)Ibrahima Konate's expected contract extension at Liverpool may not be the done deal that it has been widely reported to be this week.The French defender's current deal is due to expire at the end of the season, and he has frequently been linked with a free transfer to Real Madrid over the last 12 months.However, after last weekend's Merseyside derby Konate hinted that he was close to renewing his contract at Liverpool.Konate said: “There is a big chance I’m here next season. 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, Liverpool’s sporting director] what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.”READ MORE: Arne Slot issues Hugo Ekitike injury update after Liverpool striker undergoes surgeryREAD MORE: Arne Slot makes feelings clear on Liverpool fan protests ahead of Crystal Palace gameThe Guardian then reported on Monday that Konate had informed Liverpool last year that he wanted to stay at the club.However, talkSPORT suggests that the situation is not as cut-and-dry as it is being made out to be, with journalist Alex Crook offering his understanding of the situation on Friday.“We don’t know what’s happening with Konate yet,” Crook said.
“Mixed messaging there.“If you speak to people close to Konate they say that he’s close to signing a new deal and extending his stay."Sources at Liverpool are suggesting it’s a bit more 50/50, a bit more in the balance than that.”Liverpool has recently signed two promising young center-backs, bringing Giovanni Leoni in last summer and securing a deal for Jeremy Jacquet to move to Anfield later this year.Konate's future is not yet clear(Image: Getty Images)The Reds could also pursue Tottenham youngster Archie Gray if Spurs suffer relegation to the Championship at the end of the season.The Daily Mail reports that Liverpool admires the versatile 20-year-old, as it continues its drive to recruit exciting young talent. Spurs are battling to save their Premier League status and go into this weekend's round of fixtures two points off safety.If Konate does end up staying along with Virgil van Dijk, whose contract is up next year, the writing could be on the wall for Joe Gomez.Gomez is a respected and admired member in the Liverpool squad but has been plagued by fitness concerns in recent times, and will likely be sold if a suitable offer arrives this summer.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Ibrahima KonatéLiverpool FC