Arne Slot admits Ibrahima Konaté contract talks after replacement target signs new deal

Slot confirms Liverpool want Konate to stay and praises French defender’s partnership with Virgil van Dijk while replacement target signs extension

Liverpool coach Arne Slot has confirmed the club is actively negotiating a contract extension with Ibrahima Konaté, whose current deal expires at the end of the season.

The Dutchman expressed hope the French defender will commit his future to Anfield, emphasising both his quality and importance to a squad lacking depth in central defence.

Konate joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021 and has made 165 appearances across all competitions, including being part of last season’s Premier League-winning side.

His contract situation mirrors the one Virgil van Dijk faced during the 2024/25 campaign before the Dutch captain signed a new two-year extension.

Van Dijk has already publicly expressed his desire to see Konaté remain at the club, highlighting the strong partnership the pair have developed since Slot’s arrival. The manager echoed those sentiments while providing an update on negotiations.

“It’s just as good from him as from Virgil,” Slot said when asked about Konaté’s recent form. “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.

“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.”

Lack of defensive depth makes Konaté vital

Slot emphasised that both Van Dijk and Konaté have remained remarkably available throughout his tenure, a crucial factor given Liverpool’s limited options in central defence. Their fitness record makes them even more indispensable to the team’s success.

“These two are vital for us, not only because of the quality they have but because of the lack of options we have behind,” Slot said.

Slot confirmed negotiations are progressing, though he stopped short of predicting a successful outcome.

“We are in talks with him so that tells you what we want,” Slot noted. “It’s clear we would like him to stay but negotiations are ongoing so let’s see where that ends. We wouldn’t be in negotiations if we didn’t want him to stay.”

Upamecano extension ends Liverpool alternative

Any speculation about Liverpool pursuing alternative centre-backs took a hit Friday when Dayot Upamecano signed a new contract with Bayern Munich.

The France international was reportedly a Liverpool target after his deal was set to expire this summer, allowing him to negotiate pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs.

Instead, Upamecano committed his future to the German champions by signing a four-and-a-half-year extension keeping him at Bayern until summer 2030. The 27-year-old’s decision removes one potential option from Liverpool’s recruitment plans should Konate negotiations fail.

“I’m really happy to be staying at Bayern and continuing to play in this team,” Upamecano said after finalising his extension.

“We’ve got a great team and a great coach. We’ve got big goals together. In life, it’s always about mentality. I give my all for my teammates, in every training session, want to keep a clean sheet in every game and want to win as many titles as possible with Bayern.”