Liverpool boss Arne Slot has disclosed that he’s determined to keep Ibrahima Konate at Anfield.
The 26-year-old France defender is in the fifth and final year of his contract at Anfield, which was agreed in summer 2021 upon his arrival from RB Leipzig in a £35m deal.
Konaté has endured a tough time on and off the pitch this season but has impressed since returning from compassionate leave against Newcastle following the death of his father.
Speaking ahead of today’s FA Cup clash against Brighton, Slot insists Konaté remains an essential part of his plans.
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“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.
“It’s just as good from Ibou as from Virgil (van Dijk), I’m sure there is a difference in age and that sometimes plays a part as well. Ibou has had a very good spell recently.
“He had a lot of good games earlier in the season but then he was also part of the reason why we conceded a goal. His general performances were good but then a small mistake he made immediately led to a goal and so he was judged differently.
“But he has had a very good partnership with Virgil since I’ve been here and, just like Virgil, he has always been fit. Touch wood. These two are vital for us, not only because of the quality they have but because of the lack of options we have behind.”
