Ibrahima Konate set to avoid FATAL Trent Alexander-Arnold mistake | OneFootball

When it comes to players entering the last 12 months of their deals with Liverpool, there is an unspoken protocol to follow and it's imperative that you act with integrity and the upmost respect.

For example, Trent Alexander-Arnold's reputation on Merseyside was obliterated by the Englishman because he failed to be clear with the fans about his intentions and false prophecies were constantly sent out, when we all know now that he didn't have any intention of extending his deal with the Reds.

Joining Real Madrid didn't really help the right-back's cause, but it was the crocodile tears and the revelation that he'd been secretly learning Spanish in his own time that really sent us over the edge.

We don't know how Ibrahima Konate's contract saga is going to end. He spoke to the media this week in an attempt to clarify some things amid reports of a new deal. In doing so, we've also been given an insight into how the Frenchman intends to learn from his former teammate's mistakes.

Konate's future will NOT drag on

While it feels a little hypocritical make this claim, given that Liverpool initially approached Konate about a new deal in November 2024, it appears as though the defender is keen to wrap things up.

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Speaking to the media - via Foot Mercato - on international duty, he said: "I've seen a lot of things.

"Liverpool have reportedly made me a new offer, I don't know where that information came from, my agents are still in discussions with Liverpool.

"I hope my decision will be made very soon, so I can announce it."

As initially reported yesterday, it's definitely positive that talks are ongoing. We can still have hope that he might sign an extension to his contract. Nothing is set in stone quite yet, despite the rumours.

However, this stance might well have been foreseen due to the fact that the January transfer window hasn't opened yet, so he's not been afforded the opportunity to sign a pre-contract with a new club.

As such, it's probably in his best interest to keep his options open, which includes continuing to speak to Liverpool, although we don't know if things are progressing or not. The lack of clarification on that makes it really difficult to read between the lines and predict on how it will all pan out.

One potential thing to suggest, however, is the last sentence that Konate says. He seems desperate to stop the speculation about him, giving us a conclusion to the drama as soon as possible. That will be a welcome relief for Liverpool fans, regardless of whether he chooses to stay of leave.

Players generally have spells on Merseyside, rather than careers, and while it would be sad if Konate left as a free agent, especially if he went on to join Real Madrid, we could be in a position to react to his decision before the season ends, if he chooses to enlighten us before the transfer window opens.

Whether the Frenchman has a 'legacy' to remember is up for debate. He's certainly played a role in the Reds' success since he joined in 2021 and while he's not quite been able to reach the level that Virgil Van Dijk has been playing at over the last eight years, he's been the Dutchman's best partner.

For now, his future is still uncertain, but it appears Konate really doesn't want to keep it that way. For that, you've got to respect his wishes. If a move away is on the cards, he'll try to do it respectfully.