Liverpool Face Crucial Ibrahima Konaté Decision as Contract Stalemate Continues
In just two weeks, Ibrahima Konaté will enter the final year of his current Liverpool contract, placing the club at a critical crossroads regarding the defender’s future.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the 26-year-old French international is demanding a significant pay rise to commit to a new deal at Anfield. Talks between the two parties have reportedly made little progress in recent months, raising concerns about a potential contract standoff.
That uncertainty has reportedly drawn the attention of Real Madrid. As per JosĂ© FĂ©lix DĂaz (via Football Espana), Los Blancos have included KonatĂ© on a shortlist of potential free agent targets for 2026—should he choose to run down his contract.
Liverpool are eager to avoid a repeat of the drawn-out saga involving Trent Alexander-Arnold’s high-profile move to Madrid earlier this year. As such, the club is taking a firmer stance with Konaté.
August Deadline Set for Contract Resolution
According to Football Insider, Liverpool’s top brass have set the end of August as a firm deadline to resolve Konaté’s situation. They are unwilling to let negotiations drag into January, when the player would be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside England.
Konaté remains a vital component in new manager Arne Slot’s plans, and Liverpool are expected to ramp up contract discussions over the coming weeks. However, should no breakthrough be reached by late August, Fenway Sports Group may consider transfer offers for the centre-back in the final stages of the summer window.
The coming months could therefore prove decisive for both club and player, with Liverpool aiming to either secure Konaté’s long-term commitment—or move on before they risk losing him for nothing.
Liverpool Walking a Tightrope Over Konaté’s Future
Liverpool could be facing a defensive crisis if they fail to resolve Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation soon. With Trent Alexander-Arnold already having departed and Atletico Madrid reportedly circling Andy Robertson, the Reds risk losing three of last season’s regular back four in one transfer window.
Letting Konaté go this summer would be a significant setback for the newly crowned Premier League champions. While Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez are reliable options, Arne Slot would almost certainly push for a top-tier centre-back replacement if Liverpool’s No. 5 were to be sold.
That said, the club may soon be forced into a difficult decision: cash in on the Frenchman now or risk losing him for free next summer—potentially to long-time rivals Real Madrid. Given that scenario, many supporters and the FSG leadership might lean toward a sale this summer to avoid a total loss.
Konaté is reportedly earning £70,000 per week (per Capology), which places him mid-tier on Liverpool’s wage bill—hardly reflective of his value as a regular starter and key contributor. It’s not unreasonable to think the 26-year-old may feel undervalued, especially amid ongoing contract talks that have yet to yield progress.
The ideal outcome for all involved would be a renewed deal that reflects Konaté’s importance and secures his future at Anfield. But with time ticking, Liverpool must act decisively to avoid another high-profile exit that could disrupt the spine of their squad.
