Liverpool's Konaté Nears New Deal Amid Emotional Season, Eyes Defensive Stability and Squad Reinforcements
April 20, 2026
Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté is nearing a new contract, with his current deal expiring in June and negotiations described as a ‘big chance’ of renewal, signaling stability at the back.
Konaté has shown willingness to stay, citing a difficult year marked by his father’s death in January and personal sacrifices made for the club.
The club’s broader transfer planning could shift toward forwards, a midfielder, and possibly another left-back if Konaté signs, affecting how resources are allocated this summer.
Liverpool has endured setbacks, including cup defeats to Manchester City and a Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain, dimming title hopes this season.
As defending champions, Liverpool are navigating a tough season emotionally and competitively, compounded by Diogo Jota’s death prior to the campaign and results not meeting expectations.
Konaté joined Liverpool in 2021 from RB Leipzig for £36 million, with form fluctuating under current management as the club plans forward.
Liverpool sit fifth in the Premier League with seven points to Chelsea and five games remaining, just outside direct top-four qualification.
Jérémy Jacquet will arrive in the summer on a transfer package near £55 million with add-ons, but has been sidelined by a shoulder injury since February, while Giovanni Leoni also faces ACL-related health issues.
The French defender Konaté, 26, has been at Liverpool since 2021 and has earned 27 caps for France.
Other transfer possibilities include exploring release clauses and potential signings such as Yann Diomande and Anthony Gordon as part of broader winger reinforcement rather than central defense.
Konaté has signaled a leadership role for next season, anticipating the departure of senior figures like Salah and Robertson and stressing a collective push to finish in the top four.
Senior contracts of players like Virgil van Dijk in the final year could influence leadership transitions and squad planning for the next campaign.
Summary based on 11 sources
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Sources

Tribuna.com • Apr 20, 2026
Konate: 'I am close to agreeing a new deal with Liverpool'
Yahoo Sport UK • Apr 20, 2026
Ibrahima Konate close to agreeing new Liverpool contract despite ‘tough year’
The Times • Apr 20, 2026
Ibrahima Konate set to sign Liverpool contract extension
Oxford Mail • Apr 20, 2026
Ibrahima Konate close to agreeing new Liverpool contract despite ‘tough year’