Ibrahima Konate is close to signing a new long-term contract with Liverpool, according to multiple reports. The French defender's current deal expires this summer, making him a potential free agent, but he has been in negotiations with the club for some time. Real Madrid has been consistently linked with Konate as a potential destination, but the player has dismissed those rumors.
According to Konate, there have been many things said, but he and the club have been speaking for a long time and are now close to an agreement. He added that there is a big chance he will be at Liverpool next season, which is what he has always wanted. Konate described Liverpool as a family and said the club means a lot to him.
The defender considers himself already a leader in the team, especially for younger players. He said he is a leader for the team, for the younger players, and for players of his generation, and that when legends leave, it will be their turn to take the lead. Liverpool's defensive future is set for changes.
According to multiple reports, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson are both leaving this summer after nine years at the club. Virgil van Dijk is entering the final year of his contract ahead of his 35th birthday in July. To bolster the defense, Liverpool is expected to bring in £60million centre-back Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes this summer, though it remains unclear if the deal will go through.
Meanwhile, teenage defender Giovanni Leoni is working his way back from an ACL injury sustained on his debut in September. Konate acknowledged the long negotiation process but said it is normal for the club. He noted that with Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah last season it was exactly the same, and that is maybe how the club wants it.
The exact terms of Konate's new contract, including length and salary, have not been disclosed.