Marca: Konaté ambiguous about renewal, Liverpool fears he may leave for free

According to Marca, following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure on a free transfer, Liverpool is now seriously concerned that Ibrahima Konaté might follow the same path, as the French defender remains unenthusiastic about renewing his contract.

Konaté’s current deal runs until the end of June 2026, which would make now a normal time to begin renewal talks. However, the actual progress is far from ideal. Sources reveal that Liverpool approached Konaté as early as January with a contract extension offer, but the player has been vague and non-committal, showing no clear intention to continue at the club.

Konaté commented at the time:

“These are two different conversations. A few months ago (November), who talked about a renewal? The club said nothing, I said nothing—only a journalist brought it up. I’m not ready yet. I don’t even know when this journalist supposedly said this. I’m focused on what’s happening now. We’ll see.”

Interestingly, Konaté did not deny receiving the extension offer in January, but only refuted having any talks in November. His continued lack of response to both the media and the club has raised Liverpool’s suspicions—whether he’s trying to negotiate a higher salary or planning to run down his contract and leave for free.

Given the increasing number of star players leaving on free transfers in recent years, Liverpool’s concerns appear reasonable.

As a key figure in the defense, Konaté’s performance this season has been impressive. When he was injured from late November to the New Year, Liverpool endured its worst defensive spell of the campaign—highlighting just how crucial the Frenchman is to the team. Now in his fourth season on Merseyside, Konaté is steadily growing into one of the world’s top defenders.