Liverpool have opened talks with defender Ibrahima Konate over a new long-term contract, The Athletic reports.
Konate has been a key player for the Reds since joining the club from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021.
The 25-year-old has two years remaining on his existing deal, and Liverpool are keen to retain his services for the foreseeable future.
Konate struggled with injury problems and lost his place in the starting line-up towards the end of last season.
He started the Arne Slot era on the bench but has quickly established himself as a staple in the backline.
The resurgent France international has been key to Slot’s early success in Merseyside, with the Dutch tactician winning nine out of his first ten games.
Lining up alongside captain Virgil van Dijk, Konate has been key to Liverpool’s resilience, with the Reds conceding just two goals in seven games so far.
Konate has made nine appearances across all competitions for Liverpool this season, returning two goals and an assist.
He has helped to keep four clean sheets and won 75% of his total duels while averaging 1.1 tackles, 3.3 ball recoveries, and 3.4 clearances per 90 minutes.
Liverpool are keen to reward his remarkable start to the season by tying him to a new long-term contract and have opened initial talks with his representatives.
Liverpool sporting director Richard Huges has had his hands full with contract negotiations since taking up the role this summer.
The former Bournemouth director is also hoping to agree new contract deals with key Liverpool trio Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Konate’s defensive partner Van Dijk.
Unless there’s a positive development over the next couple of months, all three players will be free to sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs from January.
Salah is already subject to concrete interest from the Middle East, while Alexander-Arnold has emerged as a serious target for defending European champions Real Madrid.
With club stalwart Dani Carvajal picking up an ACL injury, Los Blancos are expected to ramp up their efforts to sign Alexander-Arnold.
