Liverpool Face Contract Challenge as Konaté Seeks Parity with Salah and Van Dijk

Key Takeaways:

• Liverpool and Ibrahima Konaté have been locked in contract negotiations for almost 18 months, with no agreement reached yet
• Konaté desires a salary on par with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, but the club is unwilling to meet these wage demands
• Real Madrid are no longer pursuing Konaté, but Paris Saint-Germain remain interested as he is set to be eligible for talks with foreign clubs next month

Contract Negotiations at an Impasse

Negotiations between Liverpool and Ibrahima Konaté over a new deal have now extended to nearly a year and a half, with both parties unable to find common ground. The French centre-back’s current contract will come to an end next summer, yet a resolution appears distant. Konaté has requested to be recognised among Liverpool’s elite earners and is asking for a wage package akin to the club’s highest-paid stars, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. However, Liverpool’s hierarchy have so far refused to agree to these financial terms.

Liverpool and Konate have been in talks over a new deal for nearly 18 months.

But they have been very far apart as Konate wants to be recognized as one of the most important players in the squad and Liverpool aren't quite prepared to pay him the amount that Van Dijk, Salah,… pic.twitter.com/wAPqgktmGd

— The Anfield Buzz (@TheAnfieldBuzz) December 17, 2025

Club Stance and Transfer Interest

Despite a dip in form since the start of the season, Liverpool continue to rate Konaté as one of the top central defenders in Europe and have no intention of withdrawing their current contract offers. Meanwhile, interest from Real Madrid has faded, as the Spanish side has reportedly ceased their pursuit of the Frenchman. Paris Saint-Germain, though, maintain their interest in the defender as his contract situation remains unresolved.

Future Prospects and Transfer Window Outlook

From next month onwards, Konaté will attain the right to hold discussions with foreign clubs if contract renewal talks with Liverpool remain unproductive. Even with his future at Anfield appearing uncertain, Liverpool have made it clear that they will not entertain offers for his transfer during the winter window.