Liverpool icon hits out at Ibrahima Konate and claims ex-players don't rate him

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Ibrahima Konate's contract situation remains up in the air but he gave a strong hint that he will sign a renewal after Sunday's Merseyside derby victory

Ibrahima Konate during a Liverpool training session(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)

Former Liverpool star Jan Molby has backed Ibrahima Konate to continue at Liverpool, describing him as "perfectly suited" to the Reds' style of play.

Konate has had a difficult season, experiencing a major drop-off from the form he showed during a brilliant 2024-2025 season, while he has also been navigating a traumatic period in his personal life following the death of his father in January.

The French center-back's contract situation has been a talking point among fans this season, and his future remains up in the air ahead of the expiry of his deal at the end of June. Opinions on whether Liverpool should keep him or let him go are varied, but Molby is firmly of the belief that Liverpool would be better off with Konate staying in the team.

“When we get together, the ex-players, there’s certain players we argue over more than anyone else. Konate is one of them,” the Dane told Anfield Index.

“Some of the former players go ‘he’s rubbish, get rid of him. And I go: ‘He’s not, he’s actually perfectly suited to playing modern day football. He’s perfectly suited to how we want to play.'”

Molby believes that the situation surrounding Konate's father is a clear reason why the player should be cut some slack for some of the disappointing showings he has delivered this term.

“When you go back to the issues over his dad, I believe his dad’s never been to see him play at Anfield because he’s been too poorly,” he said. “So, that gives you an idea of how long that’s been on his mind.”

Konate has had a tough season professionally and personally(Image: Getty Images)

Earlier this week, it was reported that Konate is close to signing an extension to keep him at Liverpool beyond the end of the season.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a possible free transfer to Real Madrid over the last year or so.

But The Guardian reported on Monday that Konate had informed Liverpool last year that he wanted to stay at the club.

After the Merseyside derby last weekend, Konate said: “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, ­Liverpool’s sporting director] what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.”