Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has stressed the importance of Ibrahima Konate to the team, urging the club to secure the Frenchman’s future as his contract nears its expiry.
Konate was back to his best in Liverpool’s recent 1-0 victory over Sunderland, helping a defence that has conceded 35 goals in 26 Premier League games this season. His return to form has reminded fans and pundits alike that his deal runs out at the end of the season, leaving his long-term future in doubt.
Speaking after the Sunderland win, van Dijk, who scored the decisive goal, said he wants Konate to stay. “Obviously I want him to stay. He’s an important figure on the pitch. That’s what everyone sees, but off the pitch as well, he’s one of the leaders. He’s outstanding and in my eyes, a world-class centre-back,” van Dijk said.
The captain also acknowledged the complexity of contract negotiations. “We are friends; we speak about everything. It’s a process and let’s see what comes out of it. It’s never that easy,” he added, referencing his own contract renewal last year.
Konate’s situation has been complicated by reports linking him with a move to Real Madrid, a transfer that now appears to have collapsed. The speculation reportedly strained his relationship with Liverpool, but van Dijk emphasised the player’s value to the squad and the leadership he provides off the pitch.
“I can do only so much, but it’s in the club’s hands, together with his agents and himself, so let’s see what comes out of it,” he said.
With Liverpool recently agreeing a deal for Jeremy Jacquet, a potential defensive reinforcement, securing Konate’s future remains a priority for Arne Slot’s side as they aim to stabilise a leaky defence while keeping a world-class talent at Anfield.
