LONDON — Ibrahima Konate is close to agreeing a renewal of his contract and boost Liverpool’s summer transfer plans.
For months the future of the France centre-back, whose current deal expires in June, has been the subject of speculation with him having been linked to Real Madrid earlier in the season.
But Konate suggested he indicated to club officials at the start of the campaign he was inclined to sign a new contract and, after months of uncertainty, that now appears to have finally come to fruition.
“My future? To be fair, there are many things people have said but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement,” said the 26-year-old after the 2-1 Merseyside derby win at Everton.
“I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible but we are in a good way. For sure there is a big chance I’m here next season. This is what I always wanted,” he added according to PA Media.
“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.
“It was a tough year 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.
“Right now, we focus on the end of the season and make sure we are qualified for the Champions League and after we (can) take the time to talk about the season because it’s going to be a big part of my story and it’s sad in one part (his father died in January).”
Extending Konate’s stay will avoid the immediate need for Liverpool to go in search of a centre-back signing.
Renne’s Jeremy Jacquet arrives in the summer after a £60million deal was done for the 20-year-old in January and Giovanni Leoni, 19, will return from an ACL injury sustained on his debut in September.
Joe Gomez has a year remaining on his deal but could be one of the players to leave after another difficult campaign with injuries but that would still leave four centre-backs, with captain Van Dijk entering the final 12 months of his contract.
It would allow resources to be used to strengthen elsewhere with possibly two forwards, a midfielder and potentially another left-back more of a priority.
Konate is looking to play more of a leadership role next season with Salah and Andy Robertson due to leave.
“The legends are going to leave one day and after it’s going to be our turn to take the lead. I started this already and it’s a big responsibility but I need the help of everyone as well,” he added.
“It’s been a bad season for the standards of Liverpool. If we finish in the top four, we won’t be happy.
“For sure with this kind of a season, we have to give our all next season to make something good.”
Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, whose current deal expires in 2028, remains relaxed about negotiations over his new contract.
“There has been no real progression,” said the Hungary captain.
“Of course, I see myself here in the long term but, as I say, it is not really in my hands any more. I’m completely relaxed.”
