Liverpool Risk Losing Key Star Unless Contract Talks Progress Soon | OneFootball

Konate Contract Talks Stall as European Giants Circle

Liverpool’s determination to build a competitive squad under Arne Slot this summer could be overshadowed by uncertainty surrounding one of their most important players. According to Caught Offside, Ibrahima Konate’s contract negotiations have hit a significant stumbling block, and with clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, and Al-Hilal circling, the clock is ticking.

“Konate is reportedly demanding a weekly salary of around £200,000. However, Liverpool’s management appears reluctant to meet those terms. If a new deal cannot be agreed by the end of the summer, the Merseyside club is prepared to offload the player for a fee in the region of €50–60 million,” the report states.

Konate’s current deal runs until 2026, but Liverpool have seen what can happen when renewal talks drift. The departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Madrid for free is still fresh and has made the Anfield hierarchy cautious.

Concerns Over Another High-Profile Departure

While Liverpool have made significant progress in refreshing the squad this summer, losing Konate would raise questions about defensive continuity, especially following the exits of key figures in previous windows.

The club reportedly views this transfer window as the cut-off point. They either extend his deal or accept an offer that reflects his value.

Photo: IMAGO

Sources close to the situation told Caught Offside that Liverpool are “concerned” about a repeat of the scenario that saw Trent Alexander-Arnold depart for Real Madrid on a free transfer.

That concern is justified. At 26, Konate is entering his peak years. He’s physically dominant, comfortable on the ball, and one of the few defenders in the league capable of matching elite forwards stride for stride.

Value vs. Risk in Liverpool’s Summer Planning

Konate has become central to Liverpool’s backline since his arrival, forging a strong, if at times injury-interrupted, partnership with Virgil van Dijk. Slot will want to build around that stability, not risk it.

While the club has done well in early summer dealings, selling Konate would immediately shift priorities back to the heart of defence, a position where elite replacements are both scarce and expensive.

Allowing him to enter the final two years of his contract without resolution would be a dangerous gamble. There’s no shortage of interest, and once a player of Konate’s calibre hits the market, clubs like PSG and Bayern are unlikely to wait for a discount.

Room for Compromise Still Exists

Liverpool’s reluctance to meet £200,000 per week reflects their commitment to financial structure, a model that has served them well under FSG. But if they’re to compete for the Premier League title again, keeping players like Konate becomes about more than wage policy.

Photo: IMAGO

He remains “one of the first names on the team sheet,” Caught Offside notes, and it’s hard to imagine a version of Liverpool’s title tilt without him.

Still, compromise is essential. Whether it’s through staggered incentives, loyalty bonuses, or a shorter-term extension, the club must find a way to avoid weakening the spine of the squad right before a crucial campaign.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, this feels like a familiar and frustrating scenario. A key player, loved by the fans, important to the team, yet somehow edging toward the exit due to financial deadlock.

Konate isn’t just a strong centre-back, he represents Liverpool’s post-Klopp future. Young enough to grow under Slot, experienced enough to lead, and passionate enough to understand the demands of Anfield. Letting him go, even for €60 million, would send the wrong message at the wrong time.

The £200k wage figure is high, yes. But in the context of today’s market, where defenders of similar quality are commanding huge fees and salaries, it’s not outrageous. Van Dijk won’t be around forever. Neither will Alisson. Keeping the next generation intact should be priority number one.

If Konate walks because of a marginal wage dispute, fans will rightly question the club’s long-term vision. It’s not just about keeping good players, it’s about showing that Liverpool remain a destination, not a stepping stone.