Ibrahima Konaté on Liverpool Contract: “We Are Close to an Agreement”

Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool look on during a Champions League 2025-26 match. | Getty Images It’s been an incredibly difficult season for Liverpool and France centre half Ibrahima Konaté on and off the pitch. The centre half’s struggles to find form are what are most visible to fans, but off the pitch he has had to deal with contract uncertainty, the passing of teammate Diogo Jota, and then the passing of his father in January.

Despite the difficulties, the 26-year-old remains a top talent—there is a reason, after all, that before this season the expectation was that he would be joining Real Madrid in the summer. With his form dropping, though, that option soon disappeared and the chatter turned to a potential contract renewal that the player now says is close. “For a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement,” Konaté told reporters following Sunday’s 2-1 derby victory over local rivals Everton.

“I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible but we now are in a good way and for sure there is a big chance I’m here next season. This is what I always wanted. “I’m waiting to sort the contract but when everything is done, Richard [Hughes] will tell what I said in September and it’s going to make everyone quiet.

I have a special relationship not just with the fans but with every person who works at the club. It’s like my family—such an amazing club, amazing family. It means so much to me.