Journalist: Liverpool Facing Another Contract ‘Concern’ as Talks with £35m Star Stall | OneFootball

Why Ibrahima Konaté’s Contract Talks Should Be Causing Concern for Liverpool

As Liverpool sit on the brink of reclaiming the Premier League title, only one win away from sealing glory, attention is already shifting to what lies beyond the final whistle of the season. The transition to life under Arne Slot has been smooth in principle, but key decisions still need to be made – especially regarding the spine of the squad. And central to that discussion is Ibrahima Konaté, who joined the Reds for £35million back in 2021.

Konaté’s Contract: Too Quiet for Comfort?

David Lynch, speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, voiced concerns that should resonate deeply with Liverpool supporters. The Frenchman’s current deal expires in June 2026 – not immediately pressing, but ominously quiet on the negotiation front.

“You don’t want to see somebody like Konaté go, but we aren’t hearing much positive news about those contract talks. It’s a little bit of a concern going into this summer.” That silence, as Lynch notes, is not comforting.

Liverpool have been admirably proactive in recent years, tying down the likes of Alisson and Alexander-Arnold early. That hasn’t happened here. In the context of Jurgen Klopp’s departure and a new era under Slot, the continuity of elite-level talent like Konaté is non-negotiable. Yet, there is a growing sense that something isn’t quite right behind the scenes.

Defensive Depth at Risk

Lynch highlighted the precariousness of Liverpool’s defensive options with another key quote: “Joe Gomez is already expected to depart this summer and I think it would be a worry to go from Ibou Konaté to Dean Huijsen this summer too.”

This isn’t a slight on Huijsen’s potential. Far from it. As Lynch rightly says, “As big of a talent that Huijsen is and he is someone that Liverpool should look to sign, he’s absolutely not on Konaté’s level.”

That’s the crux of it. Losing Gomez and Konaté in one summer would not just weaken Liverpool’s backline – it would risk dismantling the very chemistry that has allowed the Reds to remain defensively resilient through injuries and transitions.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s incoming system will likely emphasise positional structure and verticality. He’ll need defenders who are not only tactically astute but physically dominant and able to handle the high line. Konaté ticks every box. Replacing him would cost more than just a transfer fee – it would cost time, cohesion, and results.

A Delicate Summer Window

Lynch was keen to stress the importance of minimising change: “The ideal situation is that Liverpool only make one or two changes to the starting eleven, which would be a new left-back and a new centre-forward.”

That vision makes complete sense. Wholesale alterations rarely work, especially in a title-chasing side. And with the Reds expected to be in a tight race next season – likely against Arsenal and Manchester City again – the margin for error is minimal.

“Anything other than that can lead to a slow start and that will quickly put you out of the title race.” It’s a blunt warning, but one rooted in recent memory. Look no further than 2022/23 when early missteps proved fatal.

Time for Clarity on Konaté

Liverpool’s recruitment and retention have typically been surgical. But clarity is needed now. If there’s even a small risk that Konaté could be unsettled or tempted elsewhere, it must be addressed proactively.

The idea of seeing Konaté depart just as Slot begins shaping his version of Liverpool feels like a backwards step. The squad doesn’t need a rebuild, it needs refinement. That means building around key assets – not letting them slip through the cracks of silence.

Konaté is more than just a top defender. He is one of Europe’s elite young centre-backs, and with Van Dijk entering the twilight of his career, the Frenchman is the natural heir to the throne. Ensuring his future at Anfield must be a priority – and quickly.