Ibrahima Konate contract twist as Liverpool star 'closer than ever' to decision

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Ibrahima Konate's future remains up in the air with his contract at Liverpool set to expire in the summer, although there are fresh hints that a decision may be just around the corner

Ibrahima Konate's contract at Liverpool expires in the summer(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate is determined to resolve his future before the World Cup, with signs increasingly pointing towards him staying at Anfield.

The Frenchman's situation has dominated discussion throughout the campaign, and since January he's been eligible to negotiate with foreign clubs. As it stands, Konate's destination for next season remains uncertain despite Liverpool's eagerness to retain his services.

Konate has been at Anfield since Jurgen Klopp brought him to the club in 2021 and is keen to avoid speculation about his future overshadowing the World Cup this summer. Les Bleus, who rank amongst the tournament favourites, kick off against Senegal on June 16.

L'Equipe suggests that, while there has been concrete interest from Spain, the most probable outcome is that the center-back opts to stay at Liverpool.

Konate has been Virgil van Dijk's most frequent partner at the core of the side's backline.

The report adds that the club and Konate have 'never been closer to striking an agreement' with discussions ongoing after their opening proposal was believed to fall short of the player's expectations, reports the Mirror.

Since Arne Slot's appointment, Liverpool has been proactive in their ambition to bolster their center-back options.

Last summer Giovanni Leoni arrived for £26 million ($35M) but suffered an early-season injury, ruling him out for the entire campaign. The Reds also triumphed over Chelsea in securing Jeremy Jacquet's signature.

He will join in the summer following a £55M ($73M) transfer. Despite Konate's earlier struggles this season drawing considerable criticism, Slot has remained resolute in his desire to retain the French defender, suggesting his errors were unfairly judged.

"It's just as good from him as from Virgil [van Dijk]," the Liverpool boss previously stated.

Arne Slot has defended Ibrahima Konate's performances for Liverpool this summer(Image: PETER POWELL/AFP via Getty Images)

"Ibou has had a very good spell recently. 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."

Slot further elaborated: "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 is having 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."