By Steven Northover
Early into this season, it seemed likely that the France 27 time capped centre back was heading to either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain (the team he allegedly supported as a child). Still, interest appeared to wane as the campaign progressed - possibly due to Konate's indifferent form this season - however, the defender has never expressed any wish to leave the club. Now, it appears that staying at Liverpool was always on the cards for the 26-year-old.
Credit: Liverpool.com
"There are many things people have said but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are close to an agreement. I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible but we are in a good way.”
The story may be that Konate has struggled this season, but his performances have certainly picked up in the second half of the season (with performances against Sunderland, where Virgil Van Dijk called his performance ‘superb’, and scoring against Newcastle United in the wake of his father's death, being notable examples).
One season does not make a career, and Konate has thrived under the guidance of the legendary Virgil Van Dijk, forming a formidable central defensive partnership that has been the envy of European football at times in recent years.
However, with the Dutchman's career coming to an end, the Reds will be looking to the future, and it seems Konate will be at the centre of it.
Credit: talkSPORT
With 19-year-old Giovanni Leoni already at the club and 20-year-old Jeremy Jacquet joining in the summer, Konate will be the most senior central defender once Van Dijk does leave, and it will likely be down to him to act as a mentor himself.
Moreover, Liverpool appears to be heading into a new era - with several players leaving in the summer, and an equal number likely to arrive - but it is important to tie down as many players as possible to long-term contracts. As such, should he sign, Konate joins Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch, and Conor Bradley as first-team players who have signed contracts in recent months, with Rio Ngumoha also signing his first professional contract in May last year, and Dominik Szoboszlai in talks to sign a new contract also.
Bluntly, if Liverpool are to move on from this season, and build on the successes of the past, they will need their best players to sign new contracts in the not-too-distant future, and Konate's appears imminent.
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