Ibrahima Konate happy at Liverpool despite lack of progress on new contract

The centre-back is entering the final year of his current deal
Ibrahima Konate happy at Liverpool despite lack of progress on new contract

By Carl Markham, PA

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate insists he is happy at the club but he is still waiting for progress on a new contract.

The centre-back is entering the final year of his current deal and talks have been ongoing during the season but the club prioritised securing the futures of captain Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, who both signed two-year extensions.

Getting Konate, who has nailed down his place as Van Dijk’s first-choice partner in central defence, to sign a new contract will be high on sporting director Richard Hughes’ list – once he has concluded the majority of the club’s summer transfer business.

“I know I have a lot of objectives with this club: to become a leader, to win everything. I am very happy here to be fair,” said the France international.

“This is another conversation with the club and my agent, we will see what will happen in the next few weeks or I don’t know when but we will see, let me say that.

“Progressing? Not really – but my agent met the club last week but I don’t know what will happen.

“I cannot say what my agent said to me but yeah, we will see what will happen.”

 

There have been contrasting reports throughout the season about Konate’s contract status.

In November it was suggested a deal had been done, while conversely there were claims Konate had rejected the initial terms.

“I just want to say one thing: everything you saw on social media is completely fake. I didn’t even ask for something from the club,” he added.

“They made me an offer, and I replied to them with something, that is it. The rest, that I want to wait until the end (of his contract), all of it is completely fake.

“In November (it was claimed) I am very close to signing the deal. I was like, ‘ah, they have more information than me’ because it was not true at that moment and that is why I was a little bit mad.

“I knew at one moment people would think I didn’t want to sign the contract but I was never close to signing it. We will see what will happen.

“First thing, I am very happy because we have won the Premier League trophy and and we have to enjoy it, have a rest and hopefully next season will be better than this.”

More in this section

Arsenal’s quadruple bid goes on as they overcome Mansfield test in FA Cup Arsenal’s quadruple bid goes on as they overcome Mansfield test in FA Cup
Mansfield Town v Arsenal - Emirates FA Cup - Fifth Round - One Call Stadium Saturday sport: Scotland face France in Murrayfield, Arsenal into FA Cup quarter-finals
He loves the club – Liverpool boss Arne Slot hails evergreen Andy Robertson He loves the club – Liverpool boss Arne Slot hails evergreen Andy Robertson

Sponsored Content

The power of the G licence The power of the G licence
Happy couple receiving new house keys from real estate agent Time to get to grips with changes in rental laws
Boatbuilder turned engineer proves alternative paths can lead to success Boatbuilder turned engineer proves alternative paths can lead to success
Contact Us Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more