Liverpool have a number of transfer issues to resolve this summer, with manager Arne Slot hopeful that one big deal with be done soon and another on its way
The 2025/26 campaign hasn’t unfolded as Liverpool had hoped, but Arne Slot remains determined to keep his squad intact wherever possible.
On that front, supporters have two fascinating developments to consider as the week begins. The Reds are soaring following their Merseyside derby triumph against Everton on Sunday. Virgil van Dijk’s dramatic late winner meant England’s most successful football club stamped their authority on their local rivals by beating them in their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, while maintaining their pursuit of a top-five Premier League berth.
Looking ahead to the summer, attention will shortly turn to next season’s blueprint and how to best rekindle the team’s championship aspirations. And here we examine the latest developments from around Anfield as the reigning champions target a strong finish to the campaign after a miserable season.
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Konate edges closer to fresh deal
Just as it appeared certain that Ibrahima Konate was destined to leave Anfield when his contract runs out this summer, a new development has completely shifted the narrative.
According to the player himself, director Richard Hughes might bear responsibility for the fact an agreement wasn’t secured earlier, reports the Mirror. That comes after months of speculation linking the player with a free transfer to Real Madrid.
Konate, 26, revealed this week: “My future? To be fair, there are many things people have said but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement.
“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 Richard [Hughes] what I said to him in September, November, and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.”
Konate signed for Liverpool from RB Leipzig in July 2021 for a fee of £36million. He has since gone on to win the Premier League, FA Cup and two League Cups.
Securing Konate could be viewed as excellent business by many, especially with Virgil van Dijk, 34, possibly set to depart when his contract runs out in 2027.
And with the £55million signing of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes this summer, Liverpool’s defensive options suddenly look plentiful once more.
Szoboszlai says ‘no progress’ on extension
On a less positive note, Dominik Szoboszlai has provided an update on his own contract situation, which doesn’t seem to be progressing.
The former RB Leipzig star, who is in the running for Liverpool’s Player of the Season award, stated that he and the club haven’t made any significant steps towards an extension.
Szoboszlai, 25, has a deal that’s set to run out in just two years’ time. But with Real Madrid reportedly admirers of the midfield creator, Liverpool would be sensible to secure his commitment sooner rather than later to avoid a repeat of last season’s drawn-out affair.
That saw homegrown star Trent Alexander-Arnold controversially agree to join the Spanish giants at the end of his deal, before the Spanish club stumped up £10million to bring him in early enough to feature in the Club World Cup.
“As I said [several weeks ago], there has been no real progression,” said the Hungarian. “So I cannot say anything new about my contract situation. We have a lot of games to go and I am focusing on that.
“As you guys maybe know, my contract ends in 2028, so I am ready to go every day, every week, and then let’s see. Of course I see myself here in the long term, but as I say, it is not really in my hands any more.
“I love being here, as I’ve said many times. I love the fans and I really like to be here. My family is happy. Let’s see. I’m completely relaxed. We have five games to go. Then I am going to rest – a big one, after my international break. Then we will see.”
The positive aspect is Szoboszlai’s keenness to emphasise just how content he is at Anfield. Nevertheless, it’s at this stage of a player’s deal that doubts begin to surface about long-term pledges.
Given Real are among the select few clubs with the pulling power to lure talent away from Liverpool, there’s reason to remain vigilant over the situation.
And with Szoboszlai’s significance to the side having increased so dramatically throughout this campaign, Liverpool supporters will anticipate the club placing considerable weight on securing his long-term future.