Liverpool fans can breathe a little easier, Ibrahima Konate is willing to sign a new contract at Anfield, with “constructive and cordial” talks ongoing .
The French defender, 26, sees his current deal expire in June , and Real Madrid have been circling with a massive £13m signing on bonus to tempt him to the Bernabeu . But according to David Ornstein, both player and club want to find an agreement .
THE CONTRACT SITUATION
Konate has been at Liverpool since 2021, making 169 appearances and winning four major honours . He’s become a fan favourite and, on his day, a more than worthy partner for Virgil van Dijk.
But letting contracts run down has been a recurring problem at Anfield. Konate is the latest to find himself in that awkward position, free to negotiate with overseas clubs from January 1 .
The Athletic’s Ornstein delivered the crucial update this week: “I think there’s constructive conversation around that one. I do think there is a will on both sides, player and club to try and find an agreement. It’s not there yet, but from what we hear, the conversations are continuing and are pretty cordial” .
THE REAL MADRID THREAT
Spanish giants Real Madrid have been strongly linked, with reports they’re willing to offer a €15m (£13m) signing bonus to land him on a free . Defensa Central even claimed “the defender has decided to leave Anfield” .
But Ornstein’s update suggests that’s wide of the mark. Konate hasn’t closed the door. And Liverpool have now tabled their “most lucrative salary proposal yet” to convince him to stay .
THE VERDICT
Liverpool want him to stay. Konate is willing to talk. Real Madrid are lurking with a massive cheque.
This one’s going down to the wire. But for now, the signs are positive. And after a season of frustration, that’s something.
EKITIKE ON MESSI: ‘THE BEST IN HISTORY’
While Konate’s future dominates the back pages, Hugo Ekitike has been opening up about his past and how playing with Lionel Messi shaped him .
The 23 year old, who has 16 goals in 39 appearances this season , told TNT Sports that his time at PSG was exactly what he needed.
THE MESSI INFLUENCE
“It was difficult for me to go on the pitch and do what Leo was doing on the same level,” Ekitike admitted. “I have never reached that level, not even yet.
“It was about learning, training on the pitch, I saw a lot of great things. Not even skills, I learned how to move without the ball, how to touch the ball, how to score goals and gain confidence in games.
“When I look back, it was not a great time for me, but it was what I needed at that time. I learned so much, honestly I am so grateful to have been there with such great players and when I look back there is a great picture that I can put in my house because I played with the best player in the world, in the history of football” .
THE WIRTZ CONNECTION
Ekitike also heaped praise on his Liverpool team mate Florian Wirtz, describing him as the player he enjoys partnering most.
“In this team he is the player I like playing with the most,” he said. “When you have a No.10 that understands football so much and actually wants to play the same football as you, it makes things easy.
“I always tell him that if we play together we are going to do great things and if he gives me the ball, I’ll give it back and great things will happen” .
THE AMBITION
Asked if he can become one of the world’s best strikers, Ekitike didn’t hesitate: “I think I can. I think I can. There’s room for improvement, I have to work more, progress, but obviously I’m where I want to be.
“I am exactly where I want to be, involved in big competitions, big club, big players. It’s really exciting” .
THE VERDICT
From Messi’s understudy to Liverpool’s leading man, Ekitike’s journey is just beginning. And with Wirtz pulling the strings behind him, the future looks bright.
