Ex-Liverpool star says Ibrahima Konate could be replaced even if he signs new deal

Ibrahima Konate has all but confirmed he will be signing a new contract and staying at Liverpool, although the defender has been warned he could still end up losing his place in the side

Ibrahime Konate has been warned he could still be replaced if he stays at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Ibrahima Konate has been warned he could still end up losing his place at Liverpool, even if he signs a new contract at Anfield.

The defender’s future has been a major talking point throughout the season with his current deal set to expire in the summer. Real Madrid has been linked on and off with a move, while Paris Saint-Germain was also touted as a potential destination last year.

Konate though looks set to extend his stay on Merseyside, with the 26-year-old having all but confirmed he will sign a contract extension following the Merseyside derby win over Everton on Sunday.

There will be some fresh competition for Konate arriving in the summer though, with Jeremy Jacquet completing his move from Rennes. Meanwhile, Giovanni Leoni will be aiming to make a return in the new season, having spent nearly all of his debut campaign with the Reds out injured.

And former Liverpool star Jermaine Pennant believes that, even with a new contract seemingly ready to be announced, Konate might not be assured of his place in Arne Slot’s side next season after what has been, at times, a poor campaign for the French international.

"After this season, seeing how easy it is to lose key players and for them to get key injuries, I think I would be happy for him to stay,” Pennant told talkSPORT.

Jermaine Pennant has warned Ibrahima Konate he could lose his spot in Liverpool's side(Image: Getty Images)

"Giovanni Leoni will be coming back soon from injury, and we have Jeremy Jacquet coming in the summer.

"It will be like having two new defenders, it will give them a chance to make a name for themselves if [Virgil] Van Dijk stays.

"I would like to keep Konate, potentially as a main defender, but if he’s not playing well, other players can step in. If someone picks up an injury, then he can step in.

"On the back of this season I wouldn’t be surprised if he loses his place, but I wouldn’t mind him staying at the club."

Konate does indeed look set to stay, having seemingly put any speculation over his future to bed at the weekend.

"My future? To be fair, there are many things people have said, but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement," Konate told reporters after the win at Everton.

Konate has all but confirmed he will be staying at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

"I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible, but we are in a good way. For sure, there is a big chance I’m here next season. This is what I always wanted.

“I’m waiting to sort the contract, but when everything is sorted, you will have to ask Richard [Hughes] what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.

"When everything's going to be sorted, I wish you had a discussion with Richard and asked what I said to him a few months ago, before everyone talked about everything. When he’s going to reply, you will see. I just wish that."