Credit: Imago

Liverpool News Speaking to Ian Darke

Mon 19 May 2025 5:00, UK

Ibrahima Konate’s Liverpool future is uncertain at the moment.

The France defender is yet to sign a new contract with his Anfield deal running out in the summer of 2026 and there has been no progress so far.

There have been fears that Real Madrid were set to swoop in for his signature on a free transfer, like they are seemingly about to do with Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Konate set to stay at Liverpool

Arne Slot‘s side faces the very real prospect of losing Konate with just one year remaining on his current deal.

However, iconic commentator Ian Darke believes that the Frenchman will stay at Anfield and questioned whether Madrid needs him.

Speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, he said: “I’d be a bit doubtful whether they were going to sign him, because they will have their injured defenders back, won’t they, Eder Militao will go straight back into the team, Rudiger is there as well.

“It’s quite a big story that the new coach Xabi Alonso fancies Dean Huijsen at Bournemouth as well, so there is a few other contenders.

“Is there any real suggestion that Konate wants to leave Liverpool? Only for some kind of payday for him and agent, I guess.

“You know, Liverpool seems to be the place to be, so I would be surprised if there was not a new deal for Konate on the table.”

Liverpool needs to keep Konate at all costs

The Reds cannot afford to lose the 25-year-old, he has formed a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence.

He has seemingly banished the injury issues that hampered him under Jurgen Klopp and has emerged as one of the best centre-backs in world football.

It is no surprise that the Spanish giants are lurking given his performances this season, but the L4 outfit needs him to stick around as no one can do the job that he does in Slot’s side to the same level.

The parties need to come to an agreement, they cannot allow him to run his contract down and leave on a free transfer.