Arne Slot gives fresh update on Ibrahima Konate contract talks

Ibrahima Konate's contract at Liverpool is due to expire at the end of the season, and Arne Slot was asked about the Frenchman's situation ahead of the FA Cup meeting with Brighton

Liverpool wants to keep Ibrahima Konate(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)

Arne Slot confirmed that Liverpool remains in talks with Ibrahima Konate over a contract extension at Anfield.

The French center-back's current deal is due to expire at the end of this season, and the club is keen to avoid a repeat of the situation that saw Trent Alexander-Arnold leave the club last summer.

Alexander-Arnold would have joined Real Madrid on a free transfer were it not for the scheduling of the Club World Cup, and Konate has also been linked with a move to the Spanish capital.

Slot praised Konate for his form since the Reds' head coach arrived at the club in 2024 as he provided the latest update on the French defender's Anfield future.

"We are in talks with him so that tells you what we want," Slot said. "It’s clear we would like him to stay but negotiations are ongoing so let’s see where that ends. We wouldn’t be in negotiations if we didn’t want him to stay.

"He had a lot of good games earlier in the season but then he was also part of the reason why we conceded a goal. His general performances were good but then a small mistake he made immediately led to a goal and so he was judged differently.

"But he has had a very good partnership with Virgil since I’ve been here and, just like Virgil, he has always been fit. Touch wood. These two are vital for us, not only because of the quality they have but because of the lack of options we have behind."

Meanwhile, Slot has dismissed concerns over Mohamed Salah's output in front of goal since he returned from the Africa Cup of Nations last month.

Mohamed Salah has not scored since returning from Afcon(Image: Getty Images)

The Egyptian, who has just six goals all season, hasn't registered in the Premier League since November 1 when Aston Villa were beaten 2-0.

Slot added: "There could be multiple reasons for that. It could be the opponent is even more aware of his threat after such a great season last season, or having so many different right backs behind him for the whole season has influenced that dynamic.

"I could come up with five or six more reasons. What I do see is that, in general, the team generates just as many chances as we did last season. The team has the most ball possession in the league.

"I also see us being able to bring our forwards, and not only Mo, into very promising positions in many games. So it will be a combination of factors. Even last season Mo had a period where he scored seven in four games, I think, and then five or six games where he didn’t score.

"So let’s see where he is at the end of the season when it comes to goals and assists."