Soccer
Ibrahima Konate has confirmed he has been offered a new contract at Liverpool ahead of the Reds’ Champions League clash with Lille on Tuesday.
Konate made the move to Anfield from RB Leipzig in 2021, with his current deal set to expire in 2026, but suggested he was far from close to agreeing to an extension.
The France international has made 112 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool, winning four trophies, which include two EFL Cups and an FA Cup in 2021-22.
Konate has been in imperious form for Arne Slot’s side this season, helping the Reds to the summit of both the Premier League and Champions League standings.
In the top-flight this term, only Virgil van Dijk (64) has won more aerial duels than Konate (42) for Liverpool, with the pair helping the Reds concede a league-low 20 goals so far.
The Reds are currently in contract negotiations with Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, with the trio’s deals expiring at the end of the season.
But it appears they are not the only players locked in negotiations with the club. When asked about his future, Konate said his own talks are also not yet nearing a resolution.
“Who talked about that a few months ago?” he said when asked about his contract talks. “The club didn’t say anything, I didn’t say anything. It’s one person who said that.
“I was not ready, I didn’t know when he said that. But after that, I spoke with the club. I think I am really focussed on what is happening now. We will see what will happen.
“Yes (I have been offered a deal). This is another conversation (whether I am close to signing).”
Konate was also on hand to discuss his return to the starting line-up after missing the whole of December with a knee injury sustained against Real Madrid.
The 25-year-old returned to the fold for Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United in the Premier League, but revealed he was still battling through the pain.
The Frenchman conceded that he rushed his return, but suggested he would “die” for the club in their quest for silverware in Slot’s first season at the helm.
“I tried to come back 100%, but I’m not because I rushed my comeback with my knee,” Konate said.
“I’ve done this for my team. I can die for this team, it is fine. My knee will come back 100% soon, it’s fine. I still have pain. I play with painkillers and that is enough for me to play.
“I was very close to coming back anyway. My plan was to train that week but when I saw Joe [Gomez] with his injury I was like: ‘Okay, I have to come back quicker.’
“For sure, the first game I felt my knee a little bit, but it gets better day after day. The physios and the medical staff have done a great job for me.”
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