Ibrahima Konate has made a decision on his Liverpool future. (Image: Getty Images)
Ibrahima Konate is poised to put pen to paper on a new long-term deal at Liverpool, bringing months of uncertainty over his Anfield future to a close. The French defender is currently set to become a free agent this summer and has been linked with a departure from Anfield for several months, with Real Madrid consistently touted as a potential destination throughout the year.
However, the centre-back revealed following Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Everton that he is on the verge of extending his time on Merseyside, insisting that leaving was never on his agenda, having established himself as a key figure in the side since his 2021 arrival from RB Leipzig.
“To be fair, there are many things people have said, but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are (now) close to an agreement,” Konate explained. “I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible but we are in a good way.
“For sure there is a big chance I’m here next season. This is what I always wanted. I’m waiting to sort the contract but when everything is sorted you will have to ask (sporting director) Richard Hughes what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.
“Yes (it’s taken a long time) but this is a negotiation. With Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah last season it was exactly the same, I think they signed the contract in April and this is maybe how the club want it.”
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Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson are both leaving this summer after nine years apiece at the club, while captain Virgil van Dijk is entering the final year of his contract ahead of his 35th birthday in July, sparking widespread discussion about Liverpool’s need for new dressing room leaders going forward.
The Reds are expected to bring in £60million centre-back Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes this summer, while teenage defender Giovanni Leoni is working his way back from an ACL injury sustained on his debut back in September. France international Konate, who turns 27 next month, has declared himself ready to step up and assume a leadership role in a new era at Anfield.
He added: “I think I’m a leader already for this team, for the younger players, for the players of my generation, everyone to be fair. We know this is part of the football life. The legends are going to leave one day and after it’s going to be our turn to take the lead, you know.
“I started this already since years ago and more in the last few months and it’s a big responsibility, but we start and we play football to have this kind of chance and to make sure everything is fine for this amazing club. But I need the help of everyone as well. I cannoy do everything alone.
“That’s why I said, when everything’s going to be sorted, I wish you had discussion with Richard and asked what I said to him a few months ago before everyone talked about everything and when he’s going to reply, you will see. I just wish that.”
It has been a gruelling campaign for Konate, whose performances have fluctuated throughout an inconsistent season for Liverpool, who have suffered 17 defeats across all competitions, including 10 in the Premier League.
The centre-back also lost his father in January and, while acknowledging it has been an arduous few months both on and off the pitch, Konate remained positive about his own future and that of the club.
“It was a tough year because many things happened and I think if everyone knew exactly what happened to me, they could understand many things, which kind of sacrifices I’ve done for this club,” he continued.
Ibrahima Konate battling Beto in Liverpool’s win at Everton. (Image: Getty Images)
“I think it is great and one day I will take the time to think about it. Right now I am focused on the end of the season and making sure we are qualified for the Champions League next season and after we take the time to talk about this season because it’s going to be a big part of my story.
“It’s sad in one part, but it’s very nice for my story when I explain that to my future kids and those people who support this club as well.
“I think it is great and one day I would take the time to think about it. Right now we focus on the end of the season and make sure we are qualified for the Champions League.
“And after we take the time to talk about the season because it’s going to be a big part of my story and it’s sad in one part. But it’s very nice for my story when I explain that to my future kids and those people who support this club as well.
“It’s Liverpool. Yes, it’s been a bad season for the standards of Liverpool. If we finish in the top four, we won’t be happy, for sure, but this is what we can have for the rest of the season. This is part of the success.
“Liverpool as a club have had this kind of season already in the past and this is part of the success. For sure with this kind of a season, we have to give our all next season to make something good.
“First of all, we have to be focused on the end of the season and after for a few players, the World Cup is going to be a big challenge as well.
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“Yeah, (the last few weeks) were difficult. It’s hard to talk about (the Champions League) and say it’s difficult because we play against PSG which is the best team in Europe and I think everyone is agreeing if we won against PSG, maybe we had a big chance to win the Champions League last season.
“If they win it (this season), what we can say? I don’t think we can say anything. It was difficult, but now we have a few games left and we have to make sure we secure our ticket for the Champions League next season.”
