According to Marca, after the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool is now seriously concerned about a free transfer that Ibrahima Konaté could follow the same path, because the French defender remains unresolved about renewing his contract.
The current Konaté deal runs until the end of June 2026, which would now be a normal time to start with innovation interviews. However, the actual progress is far from ideal. Sources reveal that Liverpool Konaté already approached a contract provision offer in January, but the player has been vague and without obligation and showed no clear intention to continue in the club.
Konaté commented at the time:
“These are two different conversations. A few months ago (November), who spoke about a renewal? The club said nothing, I said nothing – only a journalist brought it up. I am not ready yet. I don't even know when this journalist probably said this. I am focused on what is happening now. We will see.”
Interestingly, Konaté did not deny the reception of the extension offer in January, but only refuted conversations in November. His continuous lack of response to both the media and the club has increased Liverpool's suspicions – whether he or he is trying to negotiate a higher salary or plan to conclude his contract and leave for free.
Given the increasing number of star players who have been leaving free transfers in recent years, the concerns of Liverpool seem reasonable.
As a key figure in the defense, the performance of Konaté was impressive this season. When he was injured from the end of November until the new year, Liverpool experienced his worst defensive enchantment of the campaign – to which the Frenchman is crucial for the team. Now in his fourth season at Merseyside, Konaté is growing steadily in one of the world's best defenders.