Liverpool defender CONFIRMS exit plan as contract deadline approaches | OneFootball

Liverpool has a contract crisis to solve over Ibrahima Konate. The centre-back is out of contract in 2026 and so far the club have been unable to convince him to sign a new deal.

Having joined in 2021 from RB Leipzig for £35m, the Reds will be seeking to avoid losing him on a free. Real Madrid lie in wait as they plot an overhaul of their centre-back department with David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger both set to leave.

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Konate’s future remains in the balance but he’s not the only Liverpool defender out of contract next summer. Andy Robertson, 31, also sees his terms expire in 2026 and right now it doesn’t appear likely he will renew.

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Robertson has just been appointed the club’s new vice-captain following the loss of Trent Alexander-Arnold but right now it looks like his days at Anfield are numbered.

Robbo: One year left

“Obviously I’ve only got a year left and I love playing with this club, I love playing out there with the lads, I can help the lads as well,” he told TNT Sports on Wednesday.

“Getting the vice-captaincy this season has given me added responsibility as well, so I’ve just kind of thrived on that.”

Robertson was linked with the exit over the summer with the Reds paying £40m to sign Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth. He was a target for Atletico Madrid but ultimately stayed put in order to compete with the new arrival.

That decision has paid off as Robbo has won back his starting place - scoring against Atletico in the Champions League in midweek.

Robbo relishing the fight with Kerkez

“Once the games get going and there’s more games, I believe I’ll play enough football,” he said of sharing duties with the Hungarian.

“I’m taking positives and I’m looking forward to the season ahead.”

Kerkez has endured a difficult start to his Liverpool career - being substituted in two of his four opening Premier League outings before being dropped for the midweek game.

Robertson’s faith in himself has paid off - and now Liverpool are going to benefit from the increased competition in the left-back position.