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Image Credits: YouTube/Fabrizio Romano

While the futures of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold dominate headlines, another critical contract saga simmers at Anfield: Ibrahima Konate and his unresolved contract extension talks.

The French defender, whose current deal expires in June 2026, has been locked in negotiations with Liverpool since October 2024, yet no breakthrough appears imminent.

Amid stalled progress, European giants Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have intensified their monitoring of the situation, ready to pounce if the stalemate persists.

Konate confirmed in January 2025 that Liverpool had tabled a new contract, but he remains noncommittal, stating, “We will see what will happen”.

With just 12 months remaining on his deal this summer, the club faces a dilemma: secure his signature or risk losing him for a reduced fee—or worse, for free in 2026.

Real Madrid, grappling with aging defenders Antonio Rüdiger (31) and injury-prone stars Éder Militão and David Alaba, view Konate as a long-term anchor.

Similarly, PSG-eager to offload Milan Škriniar-sees the Paris-born defender as an ideal homecoming story.

A prevailing theory among analysts and fans alike is that Konate is awaiting clarity on Van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold before committing his future?

The trio’s contracts expire this summer, and their decisions could redefine Liverpool’s trajectory.

But despite all this concern, the club is still hopeful of ironing out terms with the Frenchman.

Writing in his GMS Newsletter, the Italian reporter stated that renewing Ibrahima Konate and his contract is a ‘priority’ for the Anfield club:

“Liverpool insist on extending his contract, it’s one of the priorities for the club and they are working on it,” Romano wrote.

Some Reds fans will no doubt be frustrated at the update, as we have been hearing similar things since October last year.

But what is now a worrying trend for the management of Liverpool is letting their key players enter the final years of their contracts.

By the end of the season, Konate will be in the same boat as the endangered trio as things stand – starting the 2025/26 season with questions around his long-term future at the club.

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