Ibrahima Konate confirms Liverpool future after defender was linked to Real Madrid
Ibrahima Konate has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Liverpool in recent months, but the France centre-back has now confirmed he is close to signing a new contract at Anfield
Ibrahima Konate is set to sign a new Liverpool contract
Ibrahima Konate is poised to pen a new long-term deal at Liverpool, putting an end to months of uncertainty surrounding his future at Anfield.
As it stands, Konate will be out of contract this summer and has been linked with a move away from Anfield for some time, with Real Madrid frequently mooted as a possible landing spot.
However, following Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Everton, the defender revealed he’s on the verge of prolonging his Merseyside tenure, insisting that leaving was never in his plans since becoming a regular fixture in the squad following his transfer from RB Leipzig.
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“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. I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible but we are in a good way,” reports the Liverpool Echo.
“There’s a high likelihood I’ll be here next season. This is what I’ve always wanted.
“I’m waiting to finalise the contract but once everything is sorted you’ll have to ask (sporting director) Richard Hughes what I told him in September, November and he’s going to say something to silence everyone.”
“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 perhaps how the club operates.”
Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson are poised to depart this summer after nine years at the club, and captain Virgil van Dijk is entering the final year of his contract ahead of his 35th birthday in July.
This has sparked chatter that Liverpool require fresh leadership within the dressing room moving forward.
The Reds are set to welcome £60m centre-back Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes this summer, while young defender Giovanni Leoni is on the road to recovery following an ACL injury on his debut last September.
Konate, who turns 27 next month, says he’s prepared to step up and become a pillar of 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 [doing] 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 cannot do everything alone.
“That’s why I said, when everything’s going to be sorted, I wish you had a 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’s been a challenging season for Konate, whose performances have wavered during an unpredictable campaign for Liverpool, who have suffered 17 defeats across all competitions, including 10 in the Premier League.
The defender also tragically lost his father in January and while he acknowledges it’s been a gruelling few months both personally and professionally, Konate remains optimistic about his and the club’s prospects ahead.
