Ibrahima Konate ‘makes Liverpool contract demand’ after Real Madrid transfer decision | Football | Sport

Ibrahima Konate has entered the final three months of his Liverpool deal, but so far, a renewal isn’t anywhere to be seen. The defender has been a mainstay in the Reds’ starting XI under Arne Slot, yet, as things stand, the reigning Premier League champions are set to lose him at the end of the season.

Konate, who joined the club in 2021, has been in talks with the Liverpool hierarchy, but no breakthrough has been made. The relevant parties have until June 30th to strike up an agreement, or Konate will leave the club as a free agent.

The upcoming World Cup has also complicated things a little, given Konate – barring injury – will almost certainly be travelling to North America to compete with the French national team. As a result, the clock is ticking for Konate and Liverpool to find an agreement.

It’s reported by The Athletic that Konate is asking for an increase on his current £150,000 per week contract, with the centre back keen to be put among the club’s highest earners. Currently, that includes Mohamed Salah and his £400,000 per week deal, but with the Egyptian set to leave at the end of the season, his departure could free up some finances to use in the Konate deal.

Florian Wirtz is said to pocket around £250,000 per week, which is closer to the benchmark Konate would be asking for. Liverpool’s position was strengthened earlier this season when Real Madrid reportedly withdrew their interest, with suggestions they had previously been keen on a free transfer.

Liverpool have been consistent in their position, as they want to keep Konate, but on their terms only. The same report claims that despite the proximity to the expiry date, Liverpool insiders still expect Konate to remain at the club heading into next season.

Manager Slot has been quizzed on the 26-year-old’s future, with the Dutchman reiterating the club’s position: “We are in talks with him so that tells you what we want. It’s clear we would like him to stay but negotiations are ongoing so let’s see where that ends. We wouldn’t be in negotiations if we didn’t want him to stay.”