Ibrahima Konate has a wealth of interest from Real Madrid as Liverpool’s contract expires next summer, but it is said that Arne Slot is confident he will hit a new contract with the centre half.
Liverpool is reportedly optimistic about securing a new deal with Ibrahima Conate. The French international contract at Anfield is expected to expire at the end of the season.
Reflecting the circumstances that led to Trent Alexander Arnold’s controversial exit, Real Madrid is strongly linked to the 26-year-old’s move and could take advantage of his expired contract. His return to his hometown has also been proposed, and Paris Saint-Germain is reportedly keen to sign the defender as he is trying to bolster his league and the defense that he won in the Champions League.
According to L’Equipe, Liverpool has offered Konate’s alternative agreement offer and negotiations are underway with Reds, which they hope to reach an agreement.
read more: Hugo Ekitike adds Liverpool misery with worries about a second injury before Chelsea Clashread more: Liverpool faces a new Marcguech Transfer Competition as an eye deal between Real Madrid and Barcelona
The report suggests that they can resume discussions on their contract with the defender after Arne Slot’s team was temporarily suspended, and that they can focus on helping Liverpool win the Premier League title last season.
Given the limited defensive options available to Dutch managers this season, there is increasing pressure for Konate to stay healthy, Liverpool Echo reports. Jarell Quansah’s departure created a vacant seat filled by Giovanni Leoni, a 19-year-old Wonderkid from Palma.
However, the promising defense attorney has been on the sidelines for up to a year since maintaining anterior cruciate ligament injuries during his Carabao Cup debut with Southampton.
The Reds’ defensive options were further limited by the last minute collapse of Mark Guech’s summer transfer, leaving Joe Gomez as their main backup central defender.
However, they could offer additional cover to take advantage of Wataru End and Ryan Gravenburch from the midfield. Konate’s performance has been scrutinized this season, attracting criticism from several quarters in the media.
Despite struggling in the matchup between Bournemouth and Newcastle United, he showed quality in the subsequent games, but shook in Tuesday’s 1-0 Champions League defeat to Galatasaray.
Slot recently commented on Konate’s form, saying, “I think he has something to improve, but starting this season with another fullback next to him is probably different.
“He and the team had Ryan Gravenberch for the first time against Newcastle, so I think it was partly coordinated with each other as well, and in part, I think Eve’s greatest strength is of course his defensive quality.
“We’ve already seen him and Virgil playing together last season. They’re mostly sure Virgil doesn’t get the ball, so he needs to pull the ball out of his back.
“He’s really, really, really good at times, but his consistency in that part is definitely something he can improve, but the more we work together, the more we’re used to the right fullback next to him, the more we’re used to the other players in front of him.”
Join the new WhatsApp community and receive a daily amount of mirror football content. We also treat community members with special offers, promotions and advertising. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, you can read the privacy notice.
Sky Sports Discount Premier League and EFL Packages
£43
£35
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has cut the prices of Essential TV and Sky Sports bundles ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering over 1,400 live matches in the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, showing an even greater increase of up to 100.
