Latest blow throws Ibrahima Konate contract talks into doubt

A new blow puts Ibrahima Konate's contract talks in doubt. Liverpool have a massive decision to make.

Ibrahima Konate is out of contract in the summer. Teams are swirling around, hoping to snap him up without a transfer fee, with Real Madrid seemingly at the front of the queue.

But they're not able to (legally) talk with Konate just yet. Liverpool still have the right to exclusive negotiations with the player and they're doing what they can to get a new deal done.

It's just not proving to be easy. Richard Hughes has been in some sort of discussions with Konate and his camp for around a year now but there's still no answer.

Though, interestingly, reports aren't particularly strong either way. There's certainly a strong interest coming from Spain but no one appears to be certain on what Konate plans to do.

That's in contrast to Trent Alexander-Arnold a year ago, where the strongest indications were firmly that a move to Real Madrid would happen. Liverpool feel a little more likely to get Konate to re-sign than they did Alexander-Arnold.

But it's a complex situation and a new update makes it even more so.

The complex Ibou Konate situation

Konate has picked up an injury, with Arne Slot confirming it after the Chelsea match. Despite that, he's gone away with the French national team.

However, Le Parisien claims Konate missed training this week before of the problem. It's a situation that brings up a massive question about the centre-back once again - his injury record.

Now, in truth, Konate's record isn't all that bad. This is his first injury this season and he only had one last season, too.

But that injury kept him out of eight fixtures in 2024/25. He missed eight the year before that, too, and 29 in his debut campaign with Liverpool.

It's a stark contrast to Virgil van Dijk, for instance. The Reds' captain has missed a total of eight games through injury since returning from his knee surgery in 2020/21.

One of those was for a slight knee issue the following season, while the other seven were with a hamstring injury in early 2023. And that's it.

This is something that will effect Konate's contract talks. He is, after all, supposed to be Van Dijk's successor in a sense - the main man at the back once the Dutchman departs.

But can you offer the same kind of money to a player who doesn't actually play anywhere near the same number of games? An injury is always waiting for Konate, even if he's not the world's most injury prone player.

Liverpool are used to their defensive leader being permanently available but the Frenchman cannot offer that. It weakens his position in contract talks and will be a significant blow to them if this thigh injury doesn't disappear.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Liverpool have a NEW right-back and he's the best in the world

👉🏻 Marc Guehi is COMING: Liverpool will agree deal to sign England star

👉🏻 Liverpool legend's son is now an elite centre-back