Ibrahima Konate has said it remains a “dream” to be at Liverpool but the club may soon beware of the need to avoid another contract dispute around a big name.
France centre back Konate has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain in recent days and with only 18 months remaining on his contract there will be a pressure on the club’s hierarchy to avoid the contractual headache they are suffering from with three of their best players.
The futures of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain shrouded in doubt with only four months to go before they become free agents.
And while the expectation is that the first two could stay and the latter is more likely to depart, the intense focus placed on their futures has dominated a season where the club have been thriving on the pitch.
"Honestly, to be in this club, this means a lot of things because I'm a part of this story of this club and I really hope this season and the seasons of the future we will do great things as well," the centre back told Liverpool’s club media this week.
"I'm really happy to be here. It's just a dream."
Arne Slot ’s men entered this weekend’s Premier League action with a seven-point lead that was reduced to four by Arsenal's win away to Leicester City on Saturday lunchtime, they are in next month’s Carabao Cup final and finished top of the Champions League league phase to tee up a round of 16 tie next month.
Konate, aside from a brief spell out injured, has been key to that success but the reality is Liverpool will need to make a decision over his future this summer to avoid the risk of losing another valued star for nothing 12 months later.
The transfer fee he could command will also be diminished by the contract situation - a situation potential bidders will be aware of.
Liverpool host Wolves on Sunday afternoon looking to regain their buffer. They visit Aston Villa on Wednesday before traveling to reigning champions Manchester City next weekend.