David Ornstein has provided a fresh update on Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation — and it’s one that could leave Liverpool fans feeling uneasy.
Ibrahima Konaté is edging closer to a pivotal moment in his Liverpool career, with less than six months remaining on his current contract and no clear resolution in sight.
The French defender’s future has been under scrutiny for much of the season. Back in early December, Lewis Steele reported that Liverpool’s hierarchy were still keen on extending his stay, especially after Real Madrid appeared to scale back their interest (Mail Sport).
A few months ago, the 26-year-old played down suggestions that he had been presented with a “take-it-or-leave-it” offer, stating that he hoped to clarify his future “very soon”. However, that long-awaited update has yet to arrive.
Ornstein: No progress in Konaté talks
David Ornstein provided the latest update on Tuesday in The Athletic’s Transfer DealSheet, and it offered little reassurance. Despite the clock ticking down on Konaté’s deal, there has been no meaningful movement towards an agreement.
Ornstein wrote: “Liverpool appear to be among the clubs holding back for the next market, with Ibrahima Konaté on course to leave when his contract expires. There has been no breakthrough on new terms. That, along with the contracts of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez expiring 12 months later, means central defence will be an area of focus.”
Liverpool can’t take Konaté’s future lightly
While Konaté has faced criticism for some uneven performances this season, including a few costly mistakes, Liverpool can ill afford to be casual about his situation.
To his credit, the centre-back has shown signs of improvement since conceding a rash penalty in last month’s 3-3 draw with Leeds. With limited depth at centre-back, his role in Arne Slot’s squad has become increasingly important.
From Liverpool’s perspective, retaining Konaté through his peak years would be far preferable to losing him for nothing in the summer and then being forced to spend heavily on replacements.
At present, there is still no indication of an imminent breakthrough, and it’s understandable that concern among supporters will grow as the weeks pass without progress.
That said, history offers a note of caution. Last season, both Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk only agreed their extensions in April, despite nearing the end of their contracts. There is still time for Konaté to follow a similar path.
For now, patience is required. Ideally, Liverpool and the French international will soon find common ground, easing fears of a free transfer exit — even if it may take a little longer before a definitive outcome emerges.
