Liverpool could soon face the loss of crucial centre-back Ibrahima Konaté, with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) increasing their efforts to sign the French defender. PSG is reportedly eager to bring the Paris-born player back to his home country, identifying him as a key target to bolster their defensive ranks.
Konaté, who has developed into a vital partner for Virgil van Dijk in Liverpool’s defense, still has a contract with the club until 2026. However, discussions surrounding a contract extension have stalled. The 25-year-old is reportedly seeking a significant wage increase to £200,000 per week, which would place him among the highest earners at the club. Liverpool, however, is hesitant to meet his demands, resulting in a standstill in negotiations.
This contract impasse has caught the attention of PSG, who are keen on strengthening their squad as they assess the long-term future of Marquinhos. PSG sees Konaté’s situation as an opportunity to reinforce their defense, especially given the uncertainty surrounding their current players’ roles. The lack of progress in talks with Liverpool has made the 25-year-old an increasingly attractive prospect for the French champions.
Moreover, Konaté has reportedly expressed feeling “flattered” by the interest from both PSG and Real Madrid, signaling that he could be open to a move away from Liverpool. This adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as Konaté’s future at Liverpool now appears uncertain.
This ongoing saga comes as Liverpool faces other potential departures, with key players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Díaz also being pursued by top European clubs and teams from Saudi Arabia. These exit rumors only heighten the sense of urgency at Anfield as the club must make critical decisions regarding its future.
Liverpool now faces a crucial dilemma: either they meet Konaté’s salary demands to keep him at the club, or they risk losing him for free when his contract expires in 2026, unless they decide to sell him this summer. The outcome of these contract talks will have significant implications for Liverpool’s defensive setup in the coming years.
The situation is becoming increasingly tense, with both Liverpool and PSG poised to make key decisions in the near future. It is unclear whether the Merseyside club will eventually agree to Konaté’s wage demands or if the French defender will decide to move on, potentially marking the end of an era in Liverpool’s defensive line. As things stand, the club is at a critical crossroads regarding its ability to retain one of its most promising defenders.
