Konaté Is Proving His Importance — Liverpool Must Secure His Future

Liverpool have made mistakes in the transfer market before — but allowing Ibrahima Konaté to run his contract down would be one of the biggest in recent years.

With his deal reportedly running into its final stretch, the club must act now. There can be no hesitation.

After a difficult spell earlier this season where performances dipped and questions were asked, Konaté has responded in exactly the way top players do — with authority. His recent displays have been dominant, composed and physically commanding. He looks like the elite centre-back Liverpool believed they were signing.

And context matters.

Konaté returned to the side after the heartbreaking loss of his father. Many players would understandably struggle through that period. Instead, he has shown resilience, focus and character. That speaks volumes about his mentality.

Liverpool are fighting for a top-four finish. Champions League qualification is vital — financially and competitively. You don’t achieve that by allowing your best defenders to leave for nothing.

The club should have learned that lesson already. Allowing Trent Alexander-Arnold to run his contract down last year left supporters frustrated and raised serious questions about planning behind the scenes. Losing elite players on free transfers is not sustainable for a club trying to compete at the very top. It weakens squad depth and damages long-term strategy.

Virgil van Dijk cannot carry the defensive burden alone. Konaté is the natural long-term partner — powerful in the air, aggressive in duels, and increasingly mature in his decision-making. When he plays at this level, Liverpool look secure.

Letting him drift toward the exit door would send the wrong message. Ambitious clubs secure their core players. They don’t gamble on replacing them later at greater cost.

If Liverpool are serious about rebuilding momentum under Arne Slot, keeping Konaté must be a priority. Tie him down. Remove the uncertainty. Build around him.

Because if his recent form continues, he won’t be short of suitors.

And Liverpool cannot afford to watch another key asset walk away.