Fabrizio Romano confirms contract talks between Liverpool and Ibrahima Konate

Liverpool have got a big contract problem to solve over Ibrahima Konate.

The French centre-back signed for the Reds in 2021 - joining from RB Leipzig for £35m. Since then he has put his frequent injury troubles behind him to emerge as Virgil van Dijk’s preferred central defensive partner.

But that partnership is threatening to be a short-lived one following the Premier League title win last season. Konate, 26, is only contracted until the end of the season and is currently on track to LEAVE the club in summer 2026.

That would be a disaster for sporting director Richard Hughes - who will not want to lose a prized asset for nothing.

European giants like Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich are all believed to be interested in a deal for the Les Bleus international.

Domestically Chelsea and Manchester City may well get involved in the bidding to land Konate on a free.

Fabrizio Romano confirms Konate contract talks

But Fabrizio Romano has given Liverpool new contract hope over Konate - claiming that talks are ongoing and that the player is willing to stay on Merseyside.

“Liverpool remain in active conversations with Ibrahima Konate and his camp over a new contract,” the Italian transfer supremo writes in Caught Offside.

“There are discussions ongoing with the French defender. At the moment there’s still nothing done or agreed, but the conversations are still underway.”

Liverpool get new Konate hope

Liverpool have reportedly been in talks with Konate’s camp for over a year regarding a new deal. The defender is making around £150k per week and a renewal would cost Liverpool a lot more - perhaps closer to £250k.

“The player is open to continuing at Liverpool, but obviously it’s an important contract for his career, and so the conversation is going to continue with new contacts expected this month in April to take a final decision as soon as possible on the future of Ibrahima Konate regarding a potential move or a new contract,” Romano says.

It’s not over yet for Liverpool and Ibrahima Konate as Fabrizio Romano gives fans new hope over the title-winning defender staying for the long term.

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