Liverpool to secure key player with a long-term contract - ongoing talks, report suggests

As of now, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk's contracts are set to expire at the end of the season. This means that the trio will be able to enter negotiations with clubs outside of England starting in January for a potential move in the summer.

But while contract talks are ongoing over those three players, another key player in Arne Slot's first team will put pen to paper on a new deal before them.

Liverpool close to agreeing terms with Ibrahima Konate

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are closing in on signing Ibrahima Konate to a new long-term contract, with his initial deal set to expire in June 2026. The Frenchman admitted that he was extremely happy to stay at Anfield, with the Reds impressed with his form this season.

Konate has started eight of Liverpool's nine games in the Premier League and Champions League this season under Arne Slot, helping the side keep six clean sheets in the process. Konate has even managed two goals and an assist in those appearances, too, highlighting his importance to the team.

Having joined Liverpool in 2021 from RB Leipzig for £36m, Konate has slowly developed into a key player for the side. He initially shared playing responsibilities with Joel Matip, but since the German's departure in the summer Konate's responsiblities have stepped up.

The 25-year-old is expected to continue partnering Van Dijk at Anfield next season, though that depends on negotiations with the Dutchman. TeamTalk claims that sporting director Richard Hughes is now looking to focus his attention on the current situation of Van Dijk, which would help secure the centre-back area for the club next term.

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Alexander-Arnold and Salah are then expected to follow, though The Athletic highlights that discussions are ongoing with the representatives of all three players. Indeed, there's even the possibility they'll all remain at Liverpool beyond the end of the season.

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In FourFourTwo's view, it's certainly a positive that Liverpool have tied Konate down to a new contract, but the main focus inevitably has to be placed on the aforementioned trio. If any of the three leave for free in the summer, then replacing them will prove a tough ask.

Liverpool also signed Jarrel Quansah to a new contract earlier in the week.