With Ibrahima Konate yet to sign a new contract, Liverpool have reportedly prioritized signing the Frenchman’s replacement for Arne Slot in 2026.
Update on Konate’s contract with Liverpool
If there was ever a time for Liverpool to sort out Konate’s contract, it’s now. The Reds have just lost three games under Slot, who faces the toughest task of his career at Anfield so far after the international break. And in this race, Konate’s form has been one of many problems.
His situation mirrors that of Trent Alexander-Arnold last season, before the right-back decided to join Real Madrid as a free agent. When the Spanish giants arrived, the defender’s form dipped and uncomfortable questions emerged. It’s difficult to say for sure whether the Madrid factor played a role, but that won’t stop Konate from asking the same questions.
As of now, no new contracts have been signed, but negotiations are said to be ongoing. As for Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, they will want things completed before January when Konate can start negotiating a pre-contract deal with other clubs.
“There have been reports that Konaté has rejected a new contract… I don’t think it’s so much a rejection, maybe more of a stalemate or no deal basically.
“I’m told talks are active and ongoing, but nothing is close yet. It seems he earns £70,000 a week, I’m told that’s more than double.” (David Ornstein on Konate’s contract)
As his contract continues to evolve, Liverpool will no doubt be on the lookout for Konate’s replacements before 2026. The main name on that front still appears to be Marc Guehi, arriving within hours of signing for the club in the summer.
With other clubs now eyeing the England international’s signature on a free deal next summer, the Reds are reportedly looking at alternative options.
Liverpool prioritize Diomandé deal
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool now view Ousmane Diomandé as a key target ahead of 2026 and will target the Sporting Club defender to replace Konate. Represented by the same agency as Virgil van Dijk, the 21-year-old is one of the most promising defenders European football has to offer. And now a move to Merseyside could be on the horizon.
Described as a “hybrid” between Arsenal’s Gabriel and William Saliba by analyst Ben Mattinson, Diomande is certainly one to watch. Although he is yet to make his mark on Sporting’s current campaign due to injury, his return should see him return to their strongest line-up as they attempt to win a third consecutive Liga Portugal title.
