Ibrahima Konaté’s Liverpool Future Unresolved as Jacquet Signing Fuels Exit Talk

Ibrahima Konaté’s Liverpool future remains unclear, with just months left on his contract and no breakthrough in renewal talks. Speaking on Media Matters for Anfield Index, journalist Lewis Steele confirmed that the situation with the French defender is unresolved, and that while nothing has been decided, there is growing uncertainty around his long-term place at the club.

Liverpool have already taken steps to plan for the future, having agreed a £60 million deal to sign 20-year-old Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet — a move many now see as a pre-emptive replacement for Konaté.

Konaté Contract Talks Still Unsettled

Steele confirmed that, as of now, no agreement has been reached between Liverpool and Konaté over an extension. “Nothing has been decided with Konaté yet,” he said. “It is February, and judging by the Trent saga last year, maybe it’s something to worry about — and it is something to worry about.”

While some supporters have drawn a link between Jacquet’s arrival and a possible Konaté departure, Steele urged caution in making assumptions. “Everyone is presuming that Konaté will leave,” he said. “However, there’s no real noise about where he’s going, which makes me think that he could end up just staying.”

Jacquet Deal Sparks Speculation

With Liverpool already confirming a deal for Jeremy Jacquet to join in the summer, many have questioned whether the move signals an imminent exit for Konaté. While Steele acknowledged that the timing of the deal is notable, he stressed that there is no direct confirmation tying the two together.

“Whether Jacquet is a Konaté replacement or not, I think they need him anyway,” said Steele. “I think they need a defender anyway — and they’ve done that now.”

The Jacquet signing is part of a broader defensive refresh at Anfield, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson also nearing the end of their contracts or struggling with injury records. Steele added, “Maybe they will need one more in the summer, but there’s a lot of ifs, buts and maybes. Joe Gomez comes into that as well.”

Liverpool Remain Hopeful But Aware of Risks

Konaté’s situation mirrors several recent cases at Liverpool where contract delays have caused concern among fans. “This time last season, Van Dijk and Salah were out of contract and they’re still here,” said Steele. “So he could just renew — and it could just be a case of playing hardball over the wages.”

For now, the situation remains open. Liverpool will hope to retain the French international, but with Jacquet arriving and no concrete news on a renewal, the possibility of Konaté leaving for free this summer cannot be ruled out.