The defender joined from RB Leipzig in 2021 for £35 million, signing a five-year contract that is set to expire at the end of the current season. However, the outlook for a contract renewal is not looking good.
Reports indicate that sporting director Richard Hughes has made multiple offers to the 26-year-old, but no agreement has been reached yet.
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Currently, Konate earns around £140,000 per week, and renewing his contract is expected to cost Liverpool approximately £200,000 per week.
Konate Declines Contract Offer
While the proposed salary increase is appealing, Liverpool would prefer to avoid losing Konate for free, especially with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich emerging as potential suitors for the center-back on a Bosman deal next summer.
Last week, Konate dismissed reports claiming that a new contract offer had been made; he stated that discussions would continue with the club’s officials.
However, it seems time is running out for the France international to make a decision.
Liverpool’s Ultimatum: Sign or Be Sold
Bayern insider Christian Falk reports that Liverpool is willing to sell Konate in January if he does not agree to a new contract.
“Konate is aware that Liverpool intends to sell him if he doesn’t sign a new deal, so he must make a decision soon,” the report states.
This gives Konate just over a month to decide his future, or Liverpool may consider offloading him in the winter window.
© IMAGO – Ibrahima Konate Liverpool
Liverpool Will Need a Replacement for Konate – Who Could It Be?
The potential sale of Konate leaves Arne Slot with limited options in defense, as he currently relies on Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Konate, with Giovanni Leoni sidelined due to injury.
Should Konate depart mid-season, Liverpool will likely need to bring in a replacement for the center-back position.
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The club may intensify their efforts to secure Marc Guehi or could test Borussia Dortmund’s resistance regarding Nico Schlotterbeck. Another option is Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni, although it’s unlikely he will be available in January.