ไทย
English
中國人
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté has revealed there is a "big chance" he will put pen to paper on a new deal to remain at Merseyside beyond this season, in a candid interview that also raised questions about the club's approach to contract negotiations.
Konaté has spent the entire campaign navigating an uncertain situation after entering the final year of his existing contract. Reports surrounding the Frenchman's future have swung wildly in both directions, with the most recent updates suggesting a positive outcome is near regarding his wage demands, which appear to have been the central stumbling block.
Back in November, Konaté made an unusual public comment about his future, suggesting it would be resolved "very soon." Five months later, he has now offered a more definitive signal of his commitment to the club.
"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," Konaté told reporters following Sunday's Merseyside derby victory. "I think everyone wished for that for as soon as possible but we are in a good way."
"For sure, there is a big chance that I'm here next season. This is what I've always wanted," Konaté added.
'Exactly the Same'—Konate Shines Spotlight on Liverpool Strategy
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Konaté's comments came in his explanation for the drawn-out timeline. As far back as last autumn, it seemed as though the Frenchman's situation would be resolved imminently—around the same time Real Madrid were reportedly no longer pursuing the defender on a free transfer.
When pressed on the lengthy delay, Konaté pointed to the contract situations of teammates Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. "This is negotiations," he shrugged. "With Virgil and Mo last season it was exactly the same to sort the contract."
The comparison between Van Dijk, Salah and Konaté isn't quite as straightforward as the defender suggests. His two senior colleagues are at very different points in their careers compared to the 26-year-old. Van Dijk (34) and Salah (33) ultimately agreed two-year extensions last April, deals that may well prove to be their final contracts at Liverpool. It would be quite surprising to see Konaté accept a similarly short deal this summer, given he is theoretically entering the peak years of his career.
Nonetheless, Konaté reinforced the notion that this prolonged process is a deliberate tactic from Liverpool. "This is maybe how the club want it," he added.
It is a gamble. Once a player enters the final six months of their contract, they are free to agree a pre-contract with an overseas club without any involvement from their current employers. This approach therefore depends on a strong foundation of trust between player and club—something Konaté also alluded to.
"I'm waiting to sort the contract but when everything is sorted you will have to ask Richard [Hughes, Liverpool sporting director] what I said to him in September, November before everyone talked about everything and he's going to say something to make everyone quiet," Konaté said, in what appeared to be a response to reports about his high wage demands.
"When he's going to reply, you will see. I just wish that."