Defender wants a higher guaranteed wage but Liverpool are determined not to overpay
Liverpool are facing another player contract headache, with Ibrahima Konate yet to agree terms on a new deal at Anfield.
The French centre-back is about to enter the final year of his current contract and has reportedly rejected Liverpool’s initial extension offer. The Reds had hoped to tie down Konate quickly after sorting new two-year deals for Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk in April. But talks with the 26-year-old were put on hold during those negotiations and the delay may now be costing them.
Konate and his representatives are reportedly unhappy with the structure of the proposed deal, which leans heavily on performance-related incentives rather than offering a higher guaranteed wage. Talks are set to resume later in the summer, but unless significant progress is made, Liverpool risk losing a key defender either for a reduced fee or on a free transfer in 2026.
The situation is particularly sensitive following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid earlier this summer. Liverpool ultimately received £10 million for the England full-back, far below his market value, as Madrid pushed for the deal to be completed in time for the Club World Cup. The club will be eager to avoid a repeat of such a situation, but they are keen on a minimalist wage structure.
Another senior player with uncertainty surrounding his future is left-back Andy Robertson. The Scotland international is entering the final year of his contract, and while no decision has been made, Liverpool are open to a sale if he expresses a desire to leave. Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has already departed, sealing an £18 million switch to Brentford earlier this month after making clear he wanted first-team football.
Another defender at the club, Jarell Quansah, is close to joining Bayer Leverkusen in a £35 million move, which could leave Liverpool short at centre-back, especially with Konate’s future now unclear.
Liverpool’s new manager Arne Slot has already welcomed big names like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong in a summer that has seen more than £145 million spent.
