Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate Contract Update as Arne Slot Drops Tease
Liverpool remain engaged in ongoing discussions with Ibrahima Konate's representatives over a new contract, with manager Arne Slot offering a candid update on the defender's future at Anfield. Slot confirmed his desire for Konate to extend his stay, teasingly remarking, "let's see where that ends", as negotiations progress.
Contract Situation and External Interest
Konate, aged 26, is nearing the final months of the contract he signed upon joining Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021. The club has been in talks with the France international's agents for over a year. Real Madrid have been linked as potential suitors, possibly aiming to secure Konate on a free transfer at the season's end. However, reports from late last year suggested the La Liga giants informed Liverpool they would not pursue another key player from Anfield following their acquisition of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Recent Form and Team Dynamics
Konate has experienced a mixed campaign but has shown improved assurance in recent performances. He delivered a solid display in Liverpool's crucial 1-0 victory over Sunderland on Wednesday, building on an excellent showing in a 4-1 win against Newcastle United late last month. That match marked his return after missing three fixtures due to his father's death in France.
Following the Sunderland win, captain Virgil van Dijk expressed hope that his defensive partner would remain beyond the current season. Slot echoed this sentiment, emphasising Konate's importance to the squad. "We are in talks with him so that tells you what we want. It's clear we would like him to stay but negotiations are ongoing so let's see where that ends," Slot stated. "We wouldn't be in negotiations if we didn't want him to stay."
Slot's Assessment of Konate and Salah
Slot highlighted Konate's recent form and partnership with Van Dijk, noting both players' fitness as vital given the limited defensive options. "He has had a very good partnership with Virgil since I've been here and, just like Virgil, he has always been fit. Touch wood. These two are vital for us, not only because of the quality they have but because of the lack of options we have behind," he explained.
Additionally, Slot addressed concerns about Mohamed Salah's goal-scoring form since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations. Salah has scored only six goals this season, with no Premier League goals since November 1. Slot suggested multiple factors could be at play, such as increased opponent awareness or changes in the right-back position. "What I do see is that, in general, the team generates just as many chances as we did last season. The team has the most ball possession in the league," he said, expressing confidence that Salah's form will improve.
As Liverpool navigate these contract talks and on-field challenges, Slot's comments underscore the club's commitment to retaining key players like Konate while managing squad dynamics for future success.
