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Konate says he is close to signing new Liverpool deal
TL;DR
Ibrahima Konate is close to finalizing a new contract with Liverpool, expressing confidence in staying at Anfield next season. His current deal expires this summer after joining from RB Leipzig for £35 million.
Key points
- Ibrahima Konate is close to a new contract with Liverpool
- His current deal expires this summer
- He joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig for £35 million
- Konate expressed confidence in staying at Anfield
- Negotiations with the club have been ongoing
Mentioned in this story
Ibrahima KonateLiverpoolRB Leipzig
Ibrahima Konate says he is "close to an agreement" with Liverpool over a new contract and there is a "big chance" he will remain at Anfield next season.
The France centre-back's current deal expires this summer, five years after he joined from RB Leipzig for £35m.
Speaking after Liverpool's Merseyside derby win on Sunday, the 26-year-old insisted his future has never been in doubt, implying that he told sporting director Richard Hughes from the outset of negotiations he did not want to leave.
"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 soon as possible but we are in a good way."
He added: "For sure, there is a big chance that I'm here next season. This is what I've always wanted.
"I'm waiting to sort the contract but when everything is sorted you will have to ask Richard what I said to him in September, November before everyone talked about everything and he's going to say something to make everyone quiet.
"When he's going to reply, you will see. I just wish that."
Asked why the situation has dragged on until April, Konate referenced the contract situation of team-mates Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah last season, saying it was "exactly the same" and "this is maybe how the club want it".
Konate has made 113 Premier League appearances since joining the Reds, helping them win the league title last season, and FA Cup and EFL Cup in 2022.
Liverpool will end this campaign without silverware but look set to qualify for next season's Champions League. They are currently fifth - seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea.
"It's been a bad season for the standards of Liverpool. If we finish in the top four, we won't be happy, for sure," said Konate.
"For sure with this kind of a season, we have to give our all next season to make something good.
"It's such an amazing club and amazing family... This club means so much to me."
Konate has had a challenging campaign personally. His father died in France in January, but the centre-back offered to return early from a period of compassionate leave given Liverpool's defensive injuries.
Q&A
What is Ibrahima Konate's current contract situation with Liverpool?
Ibrahima Konate's current contract with Liverpool expires this summer, but he is close to agreeing on a new deal.
How much did Liverpool pay for Ibrahima Konate?
Liverpool signed Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig for £35 million.
What did Konate say about his future at Liverpool?
Konate stated that his future has never been in doubt and that he is close to an agreement with the club.
When did Ibrahima Konate join Liverpool?
Ibrahima Konate joined Liverpool five years ago from RB Leipzig.
