What do Ibrahima Konate's latest contract comments really mean for his Liverpool future? - opinion

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Ibrahima Konate looks set to head into the final six months of his Liverpool contract at the turn of the New Year.The Frenchman has been in a stand-off with his club over an extension to the terms he signed upon his arrival in 2021.Over the past four-and-a-half years, Konate has grown to become a key player in Liverpool‘s starting XI, cementing his place as Virgil van Dijk’s regular defensive partner. Nevertheless, there have been question marks over Konate’s performance this season, with worries that he is already looking ahead to his next move.In the meantime, Konate spoke out about negotiations with Liverpool on Friday while away with the French national team.The 26-year-old claimed that he hoped to come to a decision – and announce it – very soon.

But what does this actually mean for his Liverpool future, is he staying or going? Liverpool have reportedly made me a new offer, I don’t know where that information came from,” Konate said on Saturday.“My agents are still in discussions with Liverpool.

Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images However, with barely six months left on his contract, it is something of a puzzle what Liverpool and Konate are continuing to talk about.Instead, RTK believe the centre-back has indeed already made his decision, and although there may be a small window of opportunity still open for Liverpool, they are unlikely to make it count.But could Konate really stay? The positive slant from Konate’s comments is perhaps that he is still talking to the club about potentially staying.While it feels unlikely those negotiations would have a positive outcome for Liverpool at this stage, it is not impossible that they will.However, the language Konate used of ‘announcing’ his decision, would still make it seem much more likely that he will go.If the decision is to stay, then the club themselves will announce that in their own time.