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Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate makes major contract admission as defender provides update on Anfield future

Konate makes major Liverpool contract admission
© Imago
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate provides an update on his Anfield future after entering the final 18 months of his deal.

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has revealed that he has been offered the chance to extend his stay at Anfield.

The Reds are already facing the prospect that Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah could leave the club on free transfers at the end of the season.

They have all entered the final six months of their respective deals and are yet to reach agreements to extend their stay at the Merseyside club.

While the future of Liverpool's key trio may take priority, the Reds also appear keen to agree a new deal with another important member of Arne Slot's squad.

Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate pictured on October 23, 2024© Imago

Konate reveals Liverpool contract talks

Konate, who has 18 months left on his deal, has revealed that he is currently deliberating about whether to sign a new contract with Liverpool.

The defender replied "yes" when asked whether he had been offered a new deal in Monday's pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Lille.

Konate was then asked whether he is close to signing a fresh contract, telling reporters: "This is another conversation."

"Who talked about that a few months ago (November)? The club didn't say anything, I didn't say anything, it's one person (journalist) that says that.

"I was not ready, I didn't know when he said that but after I spoke with the club. But after, I'm really focused on what happened now and we'll see what will happen."

Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate pictured on October 27, 2024© Imago

Konate provides fitness update

The centre-back also provided an update on his physical status, revealing that he rushed himself back from a knee injury earlier this month.

Konate spent the whole of December on the sidelines, before he was thrown into the starting lineup for a 2-2 draw against Manchester United after Joe Gomez picked up a hamstring injury at the end of last year.

"For me, I try to come back 100% but I'm not because I rushed my comeback with my knee but I have done this for my team," Konate said.

"I still have pain sometimes. I play with painkillers, it's enough. I don't have to think about that [worrying]. I just have to think about if we play and this will go away soon. I was very close anyway. The plan was for me to train on that week but when I saw Joe with this injury, I thought, 'OK I have to come back really quick' and do not really think about my knee.

"The first game [against Man United] for sure I felt it a little bit but the pain got better day after day, it's fine, it's enough for me to play. The physios and medical staff have done a very good job for me. They never take a risk with me, it was very me who was ready."

Having started back-to-back matches, Konate is expected to retain his place in the backline for Tuesday's home meeting with Lille.

The Reds are sitting top of the Champions League league phase after taking maximum points from each of their six matches.

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Written by
Ben Sully

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