French centre-back, Ibrahima Konate has revealed he is close to agreeing to a new contract with Liverpool FC and believes he will remain at Anfield next season.
Ibrahima Konate, 26, is entering the final months of the deal he signed after joining RB Leipzig for £35m in 2021. Speaking after Liverpool’s Merseyside derby victory on Sunday, Konate insisted his commitment to the club has never been in doubt.
“There are many things people have said but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement,” said Konate. “I think everyone wished for that as soon as possible but we are in a good way.”
He added: “For sure, there is a big chance that I’m here next season. This is what I’ve always wanted.
“I’m waiting to sort the contract but when everything is sorted you will have to ask Richard what I said to him in September, November before everyone talked about everything and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.
“When he’s going to reply, you will see. I just wish that.”
Konate said the length of negotiations mirrors previous deals involving teammates Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, adding that “this is maybe how the club want it”.
Since arriving on Merseyside, Konate has made 113 appearances in the Premier League and played a key role in Liverpool’s league title triumph, as well as their FA Cup and EFL Cup success in 2022.
Liverpool are set to finish the season without silverware but remains on course to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. They sit fifth in the table, seven points clear of Chelsea.
“It’s been a bad season for the standards of Liverpool. If we finish in the top four, we won’t be happy, for sure,” Konate said.
“For sure with this kind of season, we have to give our all next season to make something good.
“It’s such an amazing club and an amazing family… This club means so much to me.”
The defender also spoke about a difficult personal year following the death of his father in January. He returned early from compassionate leave as Liverpool struggled with defensive injuries.
“It was a tough year because many things happened and I think if everyone knew exactly what happened to me, they could understand many things, which kind of sacrifices I’ve made for this club,” he said.
