Liverpool star future looking less and less certain | OneFootball

Konate’s Liverpool Journey Reaches Crucial Stage

Having endured an inconsistent start to the 2025–26 campaign, Konate has shown a notable upturn in form in recent weeks. His partnership at the heart of defence has provided much-needed stability for Arne Slot’s side, coinciding with back-to-back victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid.

However, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2026, Liverpool are facing a familiar scenario. Last season saw Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold enter extended contract discussions before eventually agreeing new terms. Now, Konate finds himself in a similar position — and his performances are only adding to his value.

Sources close to the situation suggest Liverpool remain intent on retaining the 26-year-old, whose composure and physical presence have become vital assets in Slot’s evolving system. Yet, with interest from several of Europe’s leading clubs, talks are expected to be complex.

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European Giants Monitoring Situation

Reports in Germany have linked Bayern Munich with a move for Konate, viewing him as a potential replacement for Dayot Upamecano should the latter fail to agree new terms at the Allianz Arena. French and Spanish clubs are also said to be monitoring developments, with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid both maintaining an interest in the former RB Leipzig man.

Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund has hinted that his club’s focus remains on extending Upamecano’s stay, but the Bundesliga champions are keeping a close eye on alternatives. “There are a lot of clubs interested in players of that calibre,” Freund told reporters on Friday. “Our main goal is to keep our squad stable, but we’re always attentive to opportunities in the market.”

That acknowledgement has sparked concern among Liverpool supporters, who have already seen the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson depart in recent seasons. Slot, however, is believed to be a strong advocate for keeping Konate, viewing him as central to his defensive rebuild.

Performance Turning Point

Konate’s resurgence has come at an important moment for Liverpool. After a run of six defeats in seven matches earlier in the autumn, Slot’s side appear to have rediscovered their rhythm. The commanding win over Aston Villa and the narrow Champions League victory against Real Madrid have helped restore confidence and cohesion across the squad.

The Frenchman’s influence in those games was unmistakable. His timing in the tackle, aerial authority, and improved distribution from the back underlined why Liverpool see him as a cornerstone for the future. Slot’s system, which places heavy emphasis on structured build-up play and quick defensive transitions, seems perfectly suited to the 26-year-old’s attributes.

Contract Talks Expected Soon

Discussions over a new contract are expected to begin before the end of the year. While Liverpool have not issued an official comment, sources around Anfield suggest the club’s recruitment team are prioritising extensions for key defensive figures before turning to potential summer additions.

For Konate, who joined from RB Leipzig in 2021, a new deal would mark the next stage in his development at Liverpool — a chance to establish himself as a long-term leader in a squad undergoing steady transformation under Slot.

With the trip to Manchester City looming, the focus will soon return to on-field matters. Yet, in the background, the question of Konate’s contract remains one of Liverpool’s most pressing priorities — a storyline likely to define the coming months at Anfield.