Insider drops significant hint on contract rebel deal: 'The writing is on the wall'

Liverpool are still in a contract standoff with one of their most important players.

Having undergone a certain degree of turmoil last season - with the futures of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold up in the air - the Reds are facing a similar situation with Ibrahima Konate.

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The centre-back signed for the Anfield side back in 2021 from RB Leipzig for around £35m - but his terms expire in 2026.

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If no new deal is agreed soon, not only will the French international be entitled to talk to interested overseas clubs in January but he will be leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Real Madrid lying in wait for Konate

The club - and its fans - are no doubt seeking to gain some clarity on the contract situation of the 26-year-old - who is reported to have turned down three separate attempts from the Premier League champions to tie him to a new deal.

It was previously reported that Konate wanted £200k per week in order to strike a renewal deal but in truth there are no guarantees that he would accept that right now.

Real Madrid are lingering in the background and if it comes down to finances then the 15-times European champions are likely to come out on top.

With David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger destined to depart in 2026 at the end of their deals there will be plenty of space for Xabi Alonso to add Konate to the budget.

Konate hits back

Konate was under pressure from Liverpool fans recently owing to an indifferent start to the season - prompting the player to weigh in on social media.

That interaction has been picked up by Lewis Steele - a Liverpool insider - who uses it to reveal that Konate’s contract expiry looks like a foregone conclusion.

Instead of chiming back to fans about criticisms of his performance levels, the World Cup finalist could have used the opportunity to spell out exactly what his plans are.

'Writing on the wall' for Konate deal

The fact that he didn’t, suggests Steele, means he might be off.

“One thing that is worth noting, though: if Konate is so keen to chat to fans, maybe he could have shone some light on where his head is regarding his future,” Steele wrote.

“Many have mentioned his contract situation but not once has he said he wants to stay at Liverpool. Fans are right to worry that the writing is on the wall.”

Liverpool would inevitably move for Marc Guehi on a free transfer from Crystal Palace if Konate’s contract were to lapse. There have been other defenders also mentioned in recent days - including Aaron Bouwman and Jan Paul van Hecke.

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