Ibrahima Konaté likely to remain at Liverpool as player is ‘near’ new contract agreement.
Ibrahima Konaté has indicated there is a “significant possibility” he will continue as a Liverpool player next season, as the France international is nearing a contract extension with the club.
Konaté’s existing contract is due to expire at the conclusion of the season, with the defender having been associated with potential transfers to various European teams, including Real Madrid.
Nevertheless, it appears increasingly probable that he will stay at Anfield past the summer, and the 26-year-old has expressed that extending his tenure on Merseyside has always been his goal.
“My future?” Konaté remarked following Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Everton on Sunday. “To be honest, there are numerous things people have mentioned, but for quite some time we have been in discussions with the club and we are close to reaching an agreement. I believe everyone has hoped for this for as long as possible, and we are on the right track.
“Certainly, there is a significant chance I will be here next season. This is what I have always desired. I am waiting to finalize the contract, but once everything is settled, you will need to ask [Liverpool sporting director] Richard [Hughes] what I communicated to him in September, November, and he will have something to say to quiet everyone.
“Yes [contract negotiations have taken a while], but this is part of the negotiation process. With Virgil [van Dijk] and Mo [Salah] last season, it was exactly the same; I think they finalized their contracts in April, and this may be how the club prefers to handle it.”
Reflecting on his connection with those associated with the club, Konaté stated: “Not just with the fans, but especially with the individuals who work at the club, every single person employed there.
“I hold it close to my heart like my family. It’s such a remarkable club and an incredible family. That’s why we must give our all on the pitch, for them, for the fans, for everyone in the city. This club holds immense significance for me.”
This season has posed challenges for both Liverpool and Konaté, who has faced difficulties with form at times and has also dealt with the loss of his father in January.
On the field, the Reds’ defense of their Premier League title has been notably disappointing, but Konaté maintains his confidence in a positive outlook for the club.
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“It’s Liverpool,” he stated. “Yes, it has been a poor season by Liverpool’s standards. If we finish in the top four, we won’t be satisfied, for sure, but this is what we can aim for for the remainder of the season.
“This is part of the journey to success. Liverpool as a club has experienced this type of season in the past, and this is part of the journey. Certainly, with a season like this, we must give our all next season to achieve something positive.
“It has been a challenging year because many events have occurred, and I believe if everyone understood precisely what transpired with me, they could comprehend many things, including the sacrifices I have made for this club.
“I think it is significant, and one day I will take the time to reflect on it. Right now, I am focused on the conclusion of the season and ensuring we qualify for the Champions League next season, and afterward, we can discuss this season because it will be a substantial part of my story.
“It is sad in one aspect, but it is also very meaningful for my narrative when I share that with my future children and those who support this club as well.”
