Everybody knows the situation Liverpool finds itself in with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk – and a similar problem could be just around the corner. Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, while Salah and Van Dijk are set to become free agents as things stand.
Liverpool has faced criticism for allowing the deals of arguably its three most important players to run down, but the Reds have so far been unable to prevent a similar problem from creeping up on them with a fourth star player next season.
That’s because Ibrahima Konate’s contract at Anfield is due to expire in June 2026, with the club failing to make a breakthrough in negotiations with the France international.
Konate has emerged as a first-team regular this season, establishing himself as the team’s primary partner for Virgil van Dijk for the first time since he moved to Merseyside in 2021.
Konate’s stock has obviously risen as a result, and he understandably wants his heightened standing in the team to be reflected in the terms of any new deal at Anfield.
The Times reports that Konate currently earns $102,000 per week under the terms he signed upon joining Liverpool from RB Leipzig four years ago, but the player’s representatives are said to be pushing for the 25-year-old to be offered $255,000 per week in order for him to commit his future to the club.
(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Konate confirmed earlier this season that he had been offered fresh terms to renew his deal at Anfield but would not be drawn on whether he intended to stay. “It’s true, I’ve been offered a new contract by Liverpool,” Konate said during a press conference in January. “Am I close to signing it? That’s another conversation.”
The French center-back has made no secret of the fact that he is a Paris Saint-Germain supporter, and he got a good look at the quality of the PSG team that he could have the chance to join as Luis Enrique’s side knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League last month.
ESPN reported in January that Konate is interested in moving to PSG – the club he has supported since he was a boy. PSG is keen on signing a long-term partner for stalwart Marquinhos, with Konate apparently identified as a player who would fit the bill.
Liverpool opened talks with Konate over a new contract prior to October last year, so it will concern Reds supporters that negotiations have been going on for so long without a breakthrough.
Van Dijk, meanwhile, revealed after Liverpool’s loss at Fulham on Sunday that his contract talks with the club have progressed.
