Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool ‘still talking’ over new deal for £35m star | OneFootball

Liverpool Face Konate Contract Challenge

Liverpool find themselves in a familiar yet uncomfortable position as uncertainty looms over Ibrahima Konate’s long-term future. The 26-year-old centre back, signed from RB Leipzig for £35m in 2021, is entering the final year of his contract and talks over an extension have stalled.

Arne Slot, fresh from guiding Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season, will want no distractions as he prepares for another decisive campaign. Yet Konate’s situation is edging towards unwelcome territory, with Real Madrid circling and internal fears growing of a repeat of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure on a free transfer.

Fabrizio Romano Provides New Insight

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has now offered a fresh update on the Here We Go podcast, confirming that Liverpool remain in dialogue with the Frenchman’s representatives despite recent setbacks.

“It’s another interesting situation because for Konate, Liverpool are still in conversation with his agents,” he said.

“It’s been a special case because Konate, one year ago, basically October 2024, was on the verge of signing a new contract with Liverpool.

“Then there have been some problems, some issues in the structure of this new deal, so the negotiation got delayed, and now the agreement is not done or closed, but they are still in conversation, between Konate and Liverpool, so they are still talking, they are still discussing.”

Photo: IMAGO

Romano insists that no agreement exists with Real Madrid, though interest from the Spanish champions remains active.

“It’s not something agreed, and it means that several clubs can be interested in the situation of Konate, clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid.

“Real Madrid were following the case of William Saliba, but he decided to sign a new deal at Arsenal, so now for Real Madrid, there are other options, and, in the least, Konate is one of them, but it’s not something done with Real Madrid.

“It’s too early to say what’s going to happen with Madrid, and so Liverpool are still in conversation with the player to try and extend the contract.”

Decision Point Approaching

Romano concludes with a warning that the situation could escalate quickly if Liverpool fail to secure a breakthrough.

“In case it doesn’t happen, let’s get ready, because it’s going to be another big battle.

“Real Madrid will be there, and not only, so I think Konate is going to be another big name to follow in the next week.”

That sentiment reflects a growing anxiety among supporters. Konate is viewed as one of Europe’s most athletic defenders, capable of dominating physically while contributing in possession. Losing him without a fee would be a major setback, especially given the high cost of sourcing elite replacements.

Injury Adding Further Frustration

Konate is currently unavailable with a thigh issue and is not expected to feature for France against Azerbaijan on Friday evening. While the injury itself is not thought to be serious, it adds to a period of unwanted disruption.

Liverpool must now decide whether to accelerate negotiations or brace for a possible departure. Slot has already reshaped the squad successfully once, but keeping his defensive pillar in place could define the club’s stability for seasons to come.