According to reports from England, talks between Liverpool and Ibrahima Konaté have stalled. The two parties were in discussions over a new contract, but the defender was disappointed with the offer made by Arne Slot's club.
The contract of 26-year-old French centre-back Ibrahima Konaté runs until the summer of 2026, but Liverpool has already opened talks to secure his future.
This proactive approach stems from lessons learned in the recent past. Last season, the club faced uncertainty with some of its biggest stars: Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah only renewed their deals at the last minute, and the failure to reach an agreement with Trent Alexander-Arnold resulted in his high-profile free transfer to Real Madrid a departure that stunned many fans and raised questions about Liverpool's contract strategy.
Determined not to repeat the same mistake, Liverpool moved early to tie down Konaté, who has become a key figure in the team. The former RB Leipzig defender started 30 matches in the Premier League last season, playing a central role in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign under new manager Arne Slot. His combination of physical strength, tactical intelligence, and composure on the ball has made him one of the top defenders in England.
Despite his importance, talks have reportedly stalled. According to The Guardian, negotiations between Liverpool and Konaté have broken down due to dissatisfaction with the financial terms. Konaté was expecting a significant increase in his base salary, reflecting his status in the squad and his performances over the last two seasons. However, the contract offered by Liverpool was heavily incentive-based featuring a relatively low base wage supplemented by performance-related bonuses tied to appearances, clean sheets, and team achievements such as European qualification or domestic trophies.
Sources close to the player say Konaté felt the offer did not match his value or contribution. With top clubs across Europe keeping an eye on his situation, Liverpool’s inability to meet his expectations could open the door for potential suitors in the near future especially if the stalemate continues through the start of the new season.
Meanwhile, the uncertainty surrounding Konaté is not an isolated case. Andy Robertson, the club’s long-serving left-back, is also approaching the final year of his contract. Reports suggest that Liverpool is already prepared to entertain offers for the Scottish international this summer, signalling a possible changing of the guard in the squad. Robertson has been a loyal servant to the club, but persistent injuries and the emergence of younger options have cast doubt on his long-term role under Slot.
The departure of goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher earlier this month only adds to the sense of transition. The Irish shot-stopper, who spent several seasons as Alisson Becker’s backup, joined Brentford in search of regular first-team football. His situation mirrored those of several other players who, like Konaté and Robertson, are nearing the end of their contracts with no guarantees of renewal.
Liverpool's leadership, now headed by sporting director Richard Hughes and backed by FSG’s revamped structure, is said to be taking a more disciplined approach to contracts. While they remain interested in keeping Konaté, the club is reportedly unwilling to break its wage structure or be drawn into a bidding war. A new attempt to reopen talks is expected later this summer, once the transfer window develops and Liverpool gains more clarity on incoming and outgoing business.
For now, the situation remains delicate. Konaté is under contract for another year and a half, but the clock is ticking. If no breakthrough is achieved before the January window, Liverpool could be forced to consider selling him in 2025 to avoid another high-profile free exit a scenario the club is determined to prevent.
As for the fans, the thought of losing both Alexander-Arnold and potentially Konaté in the span of 12 months is difficult to digest. The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the future of a Liverpool side entering a new era one that could either be defined by bold renewal or painful departures.
