‘Talks Ongoing’ – £35m Defender ‘Open’ to Agreeing Deal with Liverpool | OneFootball

Liverpool Must Secure Ibrahima Konaté’s Future Amid Contract Talks

As Liverpool prepare for a second title challenge under Arne Slot, one key area that must not be overlooked is the future of Ibrahima Konaté, who arrived for £35m back in 2021. The French defender remains an essential part of the Reds’ plans, yet his contract situation is not entirely settled.

David Lynch, speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, offered valuable insight into Konaté’s current stance, and his comments should prompt urgency at the club.

Konaté Open to Staying but Waiting on Liverpool

Lynch revealed that Konaté is not closing the door on a new deal at Anfield but is waiting for the right offer to be made. “Konaté is still open to these contract talks and he’s not shutting them off and thinking ‘Real Madrid is Real Madrid’,” Lynch explained.

This is hugely significant. A player of Konaté’s calibre keeping his options open is a sign that Liverpool’s project still appeals to him. However, that interest needs to be matched by a financial and sporting offer that reflects his value to the club.

“Those talks are still ongoing, which is encouraging, but I don’t think even the player could tell you what’s going to happen yet,” Lynch added. In a summer where Liverpool have already made big moves in the transfer market, this should now become a top priority.

Critical to Slot’s Defensive Stability

With Arne Slot aiming to defend the Premier League title in his second season, stability in defence will be essential. Konaté has formed a strong partnership with Virgil van Dijk, and disrupting that by losing him would be a significant setback.

“Hopefully Liverpool’s next offer is the right offer because he is a really crucial player here,” said Lynch. He is absolutely right. Konaté is not just a physical powerhouse, he’s also tactically intelligent and increasingly vocal at the back.

Photo: IMAGO

A settled centre-back pairing is key to any successful title run. Lynch rightly pointed out: “I 100% think Liverpool shouldn’t sell him this summer because we want to win the title next season. If you can just keep a settled centre-back pairing then that will be huge in their title chances.”

Building on Smart Recruitment

This summer has already seen proactive recruitment from Liverpool, with Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike all joining the squad. The club is showing clear ambition. Interest in Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi further underlines that desire to add quality in every department.

Yet, while new signings are exciting, keeping elite players is just as important. Letting Konaté drift into uncertainty could undo some of that positive work. If Liverpool want to continue building momentum, they must treat key contract renewals with the same urgency as new signings.

Time for Action

Liverpool have all the pieces to mount another title charge, but retaining Ibrahima Konaté could be as influential as any new arrival. Talks are still ongoing, but the message from the player’s camp is clear: he’s open to staying.

Now it’s down to the club to show how much they value him. A fair and timely offer could solidify the spine of Arne Slot’s team for years to come.