Ibrahima Konate’s future has become a major talking point as he enters the final year of his contract. There are concerns at Anfield that the French defender could run down his deal and leave for free, much like his former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold.
As a result, Liverpool have been working hard to tie him down to a new contract, but they have suffered a setback. According to a report from the Guardian, Konate is not happy with the contract offer that he and his camp have received from the Merseyside club.
The 26-year-old centre-back joined the Reds in the summer of 2021 after making a name for himself at RB Leipzig. He has only gone from strength to strength since and was ever-present in Arne Slot’s XI last season. He was involved in a total of 42 matches across competitions and played a big part in their Premier League triumph.
Konate’s current contract runs out next summer. Liverpool would have ideally liked to hand him a new deal last season, but their priority was to sort out the future of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. With them extending their stay, they have now shifted their entire focus towards securing the long-term future of the French international.
But things haven’t gone according to plan for the Merseyside club so far. Their initial offer hasn’t pleased the 26-year-old and his camp. They have turned it down as they are not happy with the structure of the deal that has been proposed.
His representatives are pushing for a new deal with higher basic wages, as the offer they received was heavily reliant on performance-based incentives. Renewal talks have currently stalled, leading to growing concern at the club, especially with Real Madrid showing interest.
Los Blancos have a reputation for signing some of the best players in the world in a Bosman move, and they are targeting something similar with Konate. The Madrid-based club seeks more quality and depth in their backline. With some of their mainstays in the final phase of their career, Konate could be an exceptional signing.
While the renewal talks stalling is a boost for the team in white, Liverpool haven’t given up just yet. They will try again later in the window. However, they are adamant that they won’t overpay.
