Ibrahima Konate has confirmed he has been given a new contract with Liverpool ahead of the Reds' Champions League clash with Lille on Tuesday.
Konate joined Anfield from RB Leipzig in 2021, with his current contract expiring in 2026, but suggested he was nowhere close to agreeing an extension.
The France international has made 112 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool, winning four trophies, including two EFL Cups and an FA Cup in 2021-2022.
Konate has been in commanding form for Arne Slot's side this season, helping the Reds to the top of both the Premier League and Champions League.
In the top flight this season, only Virgil van Dijk (64) has won more aerial matches than Konate (42) for Liverpool, with the pair helping the Reds to a record low 20 goals so far.
The Reds are currently in contract negotiations with Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, with the trio's contracts set to expire at the end of the season.
But it appears they are not the only players involved in negotiations with the club. When asked about his future, Konate said his own talks are also not approaching a resolution.
“Who talked about that a few months ago?” he said when asked about his contract talks. “The club hasn't said anything, I haven't said anything. It's one person who said that.
“I wasn't ready for it yet, I didn't know when he said that. But after that I spoke to the club. I think I'm really focused on what's happening now. We'll see what will happen.”
“Yes (I've been offered a deal). This is another conversation (whether I'm close to signing).”
Konate was also on hand to discuss his return to the starting line-up after missing the entire month of December due to a knee injury sustained against Real Madrid.
The 25-year-old returned to the starting XI for Liverpool's 2-2 draw against Manchester United in the Premier League but revealed he was still struggling with the pain.
The Frenchman admitted he had rushed his return but suggested he would “die” for the club in their quest for silverware in Slot's first season at the helm.
“I tried to come back 100%, but I can't because I rushed my comeback with my knee,” Konate said.
“I did this for my team. I can die for this team, it's fine. My knee will come back 100% soon, it's fine. I'm still in pain. I play with painkillers and that's enough for me to to play.” .
“I was very close to returning anyway. My plan was to train that week, but then I saw Joe [Gomez] with his injury I thought, 'Okay, I have to come back faster.'
“Definitely, the first match I felt my knee a little bit, but it's getting better every day. The physios and medical staff have done a great job for me.”
Comments