David Ornstein Sheds Light on Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate Contract Talks
Liverpool find themselves in familiar territory with another key defender entering the final year of his contract. Ibrahima Konate’s current deal expires at the end of the season and, from January, he is permitted to negotiate a pre-contract with overseas clubs. That possibility has inevitably drawn interest from Real Madrid, who have been tracking his situation closely following William Saliba’s renewal at Arsenal.
Liverpool want to avoid a repeat of past uncertainty and have already submitted a fresh offer, with negotiations ongoing. Konate has so far declined to commit to the proposals on the table, fuelling speculation that he is tempted by the prospect of joining Los Blancos. However, the club remain confident that a resolution can be found.
Ornstein Reveals Current State of Play
Providing an update on Konate’s situation at Liverpool, The Athletic’s David Ornstein told NBC Sports: “There has been reports Konate has rejected a new contract.
“I don’t think it’s so much a rejection, maybe more of a stalemate or a lack of an agreement basically.
“I’m told talks are active and ongoing, but nothing is close just yet.
“Suggestions he’s on £70,000 per week, I’m told it is more than double that.”
“So, he would want a really good contract, deservedly, you could say, going into the bracket of earners, but that’s something they need to sort out.”
That insight aligns with Liverpool’s standard contract approach. They rarely rush, as seen with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, preferring to secure extensions at the right financial level rather than bowing to pressure. Konate is regarded as part of the club’s long-term core and that status will be reflected in his eventual salary bracket.
Defensive Concerns Heighten Urgency
Konate’s importance has grown due to Liverpool’s reduced depth at centre-back. Jarell Quansah’s exit opened the door for 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni, only for the youngster to suffer a serious ACL injury on debut. Marc Guehi’s failed summer arrival compounded the shortage, leaving Joe Gomez as the only senior alternative.
That places additional scrutiny on Konate’s availability. His fitness record has been mixed and inconsistent displays have already drawn criticism during Liverpool’s title defence under Arne Slot. Renewing his contract is not merely about long-term planning, it is essential for short-term stability.
Madrid Interest Remains Real
Real Madrid are unlikely to make a public move until January, but their admiration is well known. They see Konate as a viable partner for Éder Militão and, importantly, as a profile suited to their evolving defensive needs. Liverpool must now find common ground with a player who knows his value.
If Ornstein’s remarks are any guide, the gap is financial rather than emotional. Liverpool want him to stay, Konate is not forcing an exit, and the club believe patience will deliver an agreement.
For now, the waiting game continues.
