Representatives of Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate are scheduled to hold final talks with club officials this Friday, according to a prominent X source.
The meeting comes at a key juncture for the Reds as the France international enters the final months of his contract, a source of growing anxiety at Anfield.
Contract stalemate with Konate: Time runs out for Liverpool
The 26-year-old defender is currently playing on the terms of his contract when he joined from RB Leipzig in 2021.
Despite being a key part of Liverpool’s defense for many years, extension talks have stalled in the public eye.
According to reports, Konate had previously rejected an offer to keep him at the club until 2030, citing dissatisfaction with the performance-based pay structure.
The contract is set to expire in June 2026 and Konate is already legally allowed to negotiate pre-contractual agreements with overseas clubs.
Real Madrid have shown a strong interest in the Frenchman, while PSG are also said to be interested in the player.
Liverpool can’t afford to repeat the Trent Alexander vs. Arnold mistake
The sense of urgency surrounding Friday’s meeting is fueled by the specter of last summer.
Liverpool fans are still reeling from the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left for Real Madrid on a reduced £10m deal just before the end of his contract.
Losing a second world-class asset for free in as many years in a row will be a huge blow to sporting director Richard Hughes’ reputation.
However, it is likely that Konate will leave, which could explain the club’s decision to go all out to sign a new French centre-back.
Liverpool’s £60m signing of Jeremy Jaquet from Rennes, seen by many as Konate’s direct successor, suggests the club is preparing for a future without a ‘world-class’ centre-back.
