Liverpool Edge Closer to Konate Contract Breakthrough as Reds Scout Summer Targets

Liverpool appear to be edging towards a resolution in their contract negotiations with Ibrahima Konate, with the France defender set to pocket a substantial pay rise as part of any new deal.

The Merseysiders have endured a testing campaign at centre-back, having failed to land Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace last summer—the defender subsequently joined Manchester City—while new arrival Giovanni Leoni suffered a season-ending injury in September. With Virgil van Dijk and Konate forced to shoulder the defensive burden and Joe Gomez providing cover, Liverpool have managed the situation without panic-buying in January, though Ryan Gravenberch has served as an auxiliary option when needed.

Konate's contract expires in June, and his future had appeared uncertain with Real Madrid previously linked with the 25-year-old. However, journalist Fabrizio Romano disclosed that the Spanish giants' interest had cooled by November, with the matter currently dormant. Should Konate fail to commit to Liverpool, Romano suggested Real Madrid would likely pursue alternative defensive targets.

Recent reports indicate the two parties are now closing the gap, with Italian correspondent Nicolo Schira revealing that following the rejection of two earlier proposals, Konate is moving closer to signing fresh terms that would substantially boost his earnings.

Not all observers have been convinced by Konate's displays this season. Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler questioned his commitment after the FA Cup tie against Manchester City, suggesting the defender showed a "defeatist attitude" when trailing, and criticised his tendency to surrender possession too readily on multiple occasions throughout the campaign.

Meanwhile, Liverpool's recruitment team has been casting the net wider as they prepare for the summer window. The club recently dispatched scouts to Everton's stadium to monitor Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure, the Ivory Coast international who impressed with his "pace and resilience" during a friendly between Ivory Coast and Scotland. Hoffenheim are understood to be demanding approximately €40m for the 22-year-old, who could represent a long-term solution as the Reds begin their search for a Salah successor.