Ibrahima Konate 'close' to agreeing new Liverpool contract

Ibrahima Konate has confirmed he is close to signing a new deal at Liverpool to end any uncertainty over his future.

The France defender has been locked in a protracted saga akin to Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah this time last year, with the two parties of club and player taking their time over reaching an agreement.

But he insists a resolution will soon be found and the 26-year-old will extend his stay at Anfield.

‘There are many things people have said but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement,’ said Konate. ‘I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible but we are in a good way.

‘For sure there is a big chance I’m here next season. This is what I always wanted. I’m waiting to sort the contract but when everything is sorted you will have to ask Richard (Hughes) what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.’

Konate has had an up and down campaign on and off the pitch. When at his best, he is one of the league’s leading defenders and Liverpool saw extending his deal as a priority.

He signed for the club in a £35million deal from RB Leipzig in 2021. Liverpool first opened talks over a new deal in autumn 2024 and Real Madrid had kept an eye on his situation at times in the last 12 months.

Konate added: ‘I take it in my heart like my family. It’s such an amazing club and amazing family. That’s why we have to give our all on the pitch, for them, for the fans, for everyone in the city. This club means so much to me.

‘I'm a leader already for this team, for the younger players, for everyone to be fair. We know this is part of the football life. The legends are going to leave one day and after it's going to be our turn to take the lead.

‘I started this already and it's a big responsibility, but we start and we play football to have this kind of chance and to make sure everything is fine for this amazing club. But I need the help of everyone as well.’

Konate lost his father earlier this year and said: ‘It was a tough year because many things happened and I think if everyone knew exactly what happened to me, they can understand which kind of sacrifice I've done for this club.

‘I think it is great and one day I would take the time to think about it. Right now we focus on the end of the season and make sure we are qualified for the Champions League and after we take the time to talk about the season because it's going to be a big part of my story and it's sad in one part.

'But it's very nice for my story when I explain that to my future kids and those people who support this club as well.’

Meanwhile, Dominik Szoboszlai has opened up on his own contract. Talks have been ongoing for some time but the Hungarian is keen for his future to be resolved.

He said: ‘As I said (a few weeks ago), there has been no real progression, so I cannot say anything new about my contract situation. We have a lot of games to go and I am focusing on that.

‘As you guys may know, my contract ends in 2028, so I am ready to go every day, every week, and then let's see.

‘Of course I see myself here in the long term, but as I say, it is not really in my hands any more. I love being here, as I said many times; I love the fans and I really like to be here. My family is happy. Let's see.

‘I'm completely relaxed. We have five games to go. Then I am going to rest - a big one, after my international break. Then we will see.’