According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are close to reaching an agreement with Ibrahima Konate on a new contract.
The 26-year-old’s contract at Anfield will expire at the end of the current season, a crisis that has left the club at risk of a free exit.
Speculation has been rife for months that Konate could be looking for a new challenge, with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Milan all credited with a strong interest in securing his services for a fee-for-hire transfer.
However, Romano gave the latest update on the transfer saga, revealing that despite the real, long-term interest from the Spanish capital, Liverpool’s boardroom has successfully managed the situation.
Liverpool are closing in on a deal for Iraima Konate
While the Italian journalist cautioned that the deal has not yet been signed or finalised, a basic salary structure is understood to have almost been agreed.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said:
“After long discussions, after many months of contact, what I can tell you today is that these discussions between the Liverpool management and Ibrahima Konate, the player and his camp, are moving to the final stage.
“The salary has almost been agreed, the length of the contract has been discussed, that’s the point, the number of years. There are conditions that need to be clarified, but Konate and Liverpool have almost come to negotiations on a new contract.
“And, let’s not wait for these last stages. Let’s be careful until the end. But despite the many reports that Real Madrid are back in talks to sign Ibrahima Konate in the summer, despite the reports that Ibrahima Konate wanted to go elsewhere, at the moment, the club leading the race to have Iraima Konate and his services next season is also Liverpool.”
Keeping Konate is important to the Merseyside club
Keeping Konate marks a major victory for Liverpool’s sporting directors.
The club are already looking at a significant change of guard this summer, with veteran left-back Andy Robertson publicly confirming his impending exit, and Mohamed Salah set to leave Anfield in June.
In this context, Konate’s renewal provides important defensive stability and leadership.
As Arne Slot struggles to salvage the remainder of Liverpool’s domestic and European campaign amid intense media scrutiny, securing Konate’s prime years provides a vital foundation for the club’s next season.
If the Reds can cross the finish line quickly on this deal, they will have successfully navigated one of their most significant contract issues going forward.
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