Arne Slot speaks on Ibrahima Konate's future as Liverpool star yet to sign new contract

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City, Arne Slot has offered clarity surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s long-term future and the defender's contract situation

Ibrahima Konate is in the final months of his Liverpool contract(Image: Getty Images)

Arne Slot has confirmed Liverpool is in talks with Ibrahima Konate with the Frenchman in the final few months of his contract.

It has been a challenging season for the French defender, who has also had to cope with the recent loss of his father. A dip in form prompted debate over whether a summer departure might be in his best interests.

Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain were both linked with Konate last year, though that speculation has since cooled amid his struggles earlier this campaign. In recent months, however, his performances have improved significantly, and at his best the 26-year-old remains among Europe’s elite centre-backs.

The signing of Jeremy Jacquet for next season appeared to further cast doubt over Konate’s long-term future at Liverpool. With Jacquet seemingly being groomed for a prominent role at Anfield, opportunities would have been more limited had his fellow Frenchman remained.

However, despite growing expectations that Konaté’s departure was inevitable, Slot offered a more encouraging update ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester City, confirming that contract talks with Liverpool’s No. 5 are still ongoing.

“We are still in talks with Ibou,” he told Sky Sports when discussing Jacquet among Liverpool’s centre-back options for next season.

“Giovanni Leoni hopefully comes back from an injury after the summer. So, we’ve signed him [Jacquet] for the summer and we’re happy and glad we’ve signed him because I think we weren’t the only ones interested in such a talent.”

Pressed for further detail on Konate’s contract situation, Slot remained characteristically guarded, but confirmation that discussions are ongoing is an encouraging sign and suggests a resolution could yet be reached.

Arne Slot has revealed Liverpool is still in talks with Ibrahima Konate

The Dutchman added: “You never know, as we always say, contract talks are held in different rooms than these and when there’s news we share it with the world in rooms where you are!” he smiled. “But as long as that’s not the situation these conversations stay private.

“These players [Konate and Andy Robertson ] have done a lot for the club and will do a lot for the club in the upcoming half year and who knows longer than that, but these are talks that are taking place elsewhere.”

Liverpool finds itself in a delicate position at centre-back, with both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez entering the final 18 months of their contracts. Van Dijk will turn 35 later this year, while Gomez’s Liverpool career has been repeatedly disrupted by injury, with those fitness concerns becoming more pronounced as he nears 30.

Had negotiations with Konate broken down, Slot would have had little reason to raise the subject unprompted. Instead, his comments — made while discussing Jacquet’s expected involvement next season — hint at a degree of confidence that an agreement could still be reached.

Given the challenges Konate has faced this campaign, that would represent excellent news for Liverpool supporters. A commanding presence, he could play a key role in guiding younger defenders such as Leoni and Jacquet, adding value well beyond his on-pitch contributions.