Liverpool on the brink of agreeing deal for world class defender
Ibrahima Konate’s future at Anfield has been uncertain for almost two years now.
The Frenchman has been the subject of intense interest from both his native France and Spain, and negotiations over a new deal in Merseyside stretch back almost 18 months.
The 26-year-old is now into the final three months of his contract and, as it stands, will be leaving as a free agent this summer.
Real Madrid and PSG seem to be the two parties most interested in Konate, but Liverpool have remained committed to keeping the defender at Anfield and contract talks are still ongoing.
Now, according to reports in France, an end to the saga is close.
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Konate’s fate to be decided soon
Negotiations between Richard Hughes and Co and Konate’s representatives have been on and off since the start of last season.
The Frenchman wants his future decided before the World Cup though, and an agreement with Liverpool could soon become official according to a report in L’Equipe.
“There have been numerous back-and-forth exchanges and meetings between the two parties, who have never been closer to reaching an agreement, with only a few details left to settle,” the report reads.
An agreement seems close, and the report states that the most likely outcome is now a contract extension.
Konate’s wage demands were understood to be a sticking point early on in negotiations, with the former RB Leipzig man wanting to be among the club’s top earners.
It is unclear whether Konate has lowered his demands, or the club have decided that the 26-year-old is worth what he is asking for, but it will be a relief for Liverpool’s hierarchy to have one of the Reds’ key players tied down to a new deal.
Konate has been almost ever present for Slot’s side this season, and losing him for free would have been a big blow for Liverpool.
Eliminating the uncertainty around his future will hopefully allow Konate to kick on and finish the season strongly ahead of his World Cup campaign with France.
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