Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate has confirmed he has been offered a new contract at Anfield, but it has not yet been signed.
While Liverpool are seeing a wave of big names coming out of contract this summer – Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold all face uncertain futures – Konate is one of two regular players, alongside left-back Andy Robertson, whose contracts expire in 2026.
Ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Lille, Konate confirmed he had been offered a new contract by Liverpool but was less forthcoming when asked if he planned to sign it.
“That’s another conversation,” said the 25-year-old. “I’m really focused on what’s happening now. We’ll see what happens.”
The times Konate’s stance could depend on Van Dijk, Salah and Alexander-Arnold. The Frenchman could put off a decision until he has a clearer idea of what the squad around him looks like, not least because two of this summer’s potential high-profile departures come from his defensive side.
“Everyone knows Virgil and everyone knows his quality,” Konate said of his central defender partner. “For me he is the best, nobody is better than him in this position.”
“I learn a lot from him and other players like him.” [Joel] Matip, Joe Gomez and other players who don’t play in my position. I never told him, but in interviews I always said that I just want to be better than him one day and that’s why I’m working hard to reach that level one day. He would be proud, I think.