Fabrizio Romano confirms Liverpool 'waiting' on key star's contract decision

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

The French defender, 26, joined the Reds back in 2021 from RB Leipzig in a £35m deal. Last season the centre-back established himself as one of the best around alongside Virgil van Dijk as the Anfield club won the 2024/25 Premier League title.

Konate’s reputation has taken a bit of a hit this season however - with his performances being characterised by lapses of judgement at key moments.

Konate's next move is unknown

His decline has come against the backdrop of so-far failed contract negotiations with the club. Sporting director Richard Hughes has so far been unable to tie the stopper down on terms favourable to Liverpool.

Konate is currently reported to be earning £140k per week and had been seeking £200k per week to renew. And if no new deal is signed then he will be free to negotiate with other clubs as soon as January.

Real Madrid lie in wait - hoping to make Konate the new leader of their defence - while Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have also been listed as interested parties.

No decison made says Romano

There is talk that a new contract offer is imminent for the France defender - but right now the club remain in the dark about what his future intentions are.

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims that Konate has not yet made his mind up about what he would like to do next.

"Not yet, there are talks ongoing but still no decision made on player side,” he wrote on his GIVEMESPORT newsletter. “Liverpool are waiting."

Liverpool could move for another defender

Konate’s contract conundrum complicates Liverpool’s centre-back plans - as right now he is one of only three senior fit options Arne Slot has got in that position.

That’s why we’ve seen extensive links with other defenders - such as Alessandro Bastoni, Nico Schlotterbeck and Ronald Araujo.

There is also the option of adding Marc Guehi on a free to cover Konate’s departure but he too will have his pick of new clubs in January when his Crystal Palace contract reaches its six-month countdown.

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