Journalist: Liverpool set to sell star if contract uncertaity continues | OneFootball

Liverpool Push Konate Towards a Decision as Contract Deadline Nears

Contract Stalemate Places Pressure on Liverpool’s Defence

Liverpool’s defensive structure has been fragile enough this season without the added uncertainty surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s future. Yet the club now find themselves in exactly that position, facing what could become one of the defining decisions of their January window. Konate, signed from RB Leipzig in 2021 for £35 million, arrived with the promise of becoming a pillar of the back line. His current contract expires at the end of the season, and the lack of progress on a renewal has forced Liverpool to consider drastic steps.

Sporting director Richard Hughes has made several proposals to extend the 26 year old’s deal, with a reported wage increase from £140k to around £200k per week. So far, however, no agreement has been reached, and the tension around the situation has begun to harden.

Ultimatum Emerges as Bayern and Madrid Circle

Konate publicly rejected suggestions last week that he had already turned down a formal offer, stating instead that talks were ongoing. But according to Bayern insider Christian Falk, Liverpool’s patience has reached a critical point. His report delivered the clearest indication yet of the club’s stance. “Konate knows that Liverpool would like to sell him if he’s not prepared to sign a new contract, so he has to decide now,” Falk revealed.

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That line reflects a club no longer willing to drift passively into a scenario where one of their most valuable centre backs could walk away for free next summer. With Bayern Munich and Real Madrid both monitoring the situation with interest, Liverpool cannot afford indecision. What once looked like a routine renewal has now become a high stakes negotiation.

Challenges Facing Liverpool if Konate Departs

For Arne Slot, the situation complicates an already thin depth chart in defence. Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez remain available, but Giovanni Leoni’s injury leaves Liverpool dangerously short if Konate is sold during the winter window. Slot’s system relies heavily on defensive stability and ball playing resilience from the back, and losing Konate mid season would demand immediate recruitment.

That explains why attention will inevitably turn to replacements. The club’s long term admiration for Marc Guehi is well documented, and the coming window may force Liverpool to accelerate their plans. Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck has also been discussed in recruitment circles, while Alessandro Bastoni remains an attractive option despite the unlikelihood of Inter entertaining a January sale.

Decision Time Approaches for Player and Club

The next month could define Liverpool’s defensive future for years to come. Konate remains a high level defender with a skillset tailored to the demands of modern Premier League football, but the club cannot allow a slow contract drift to become a damaging loss of value. The ultimatum now forces clarity. Either Konate commits to a renewed Liverpool project, or the club act decisively and reshape their back line before the title race and Champions League push intensifies.

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One thing is clear. Liverpool cannot enter next season without resolving this situation. Whether Konate signs or is sold, the outcome must strengthen the foundation of a defence that requires certainty, leadership and long term planning.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans will view this ultimatum with mixed emotions. On one hand, losing Konate would be a serious setback, especially mid season. We know how influential he can be when fit, aggressive and in rhythm. His partnership with Van Dijk has produced some commanding performances, and his athletic profile is not easily replaced. Many fans feel that renewing his contract should be a priority.

However, supporters also understand that the club cannot afford another top asset leaving on a free transfer. This squad has already been reshaped after significant departures, both planned and unexpected, and continuity is crucial if Liverpool are to build a stable long term structure under Arne Slot. If Konate refuses to commit, selling him now may be painful but necessary.

There is also awareness among the fanbase that Liverpool must be proactive in identifying replacements. Guehi is widely admired, Schlotterbeck has strong credentials and Bastoni would transform the back line even if his signing feels remote in January. Fans want ambition, clarity and purpose, not reactive scrambling.

Ultimately, most supporters hope Konate stays. But if he leaves, Liverpool must move quickly and decisively, ensuring the defence emerges stronger rather than weakened. The message is simple: no drift, no hesitation and no repeats of past contract mismanagement.