While Liverpool’s hopes of successfully defending their Premier League title were extinguished some time ago, Arne Slot’s side’s hopes of a strong end to the season were boosted at the weekend when they claimed a last-gasp win over local rivals Everton.
Skipper Virgil van Dijk netted in the tenth minute of stoppage time to win the first Merseyside derby played at the Toffees' Hill Dickinson Stadium, a result which also boosted the Reds’ hopes of securing a Champions League place.
Going into the final five games of the season, Liverpool sit seven points clear of Chelsea in the final Champions League qualification spot and were also boosted by news of a potential new contract following the victory over Everton.
Liverpool star set to pen new deal
Following the recent announcements that Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson will be leaving the club at the end of the season, Liverpool fans have had one eye on the contract situation regarding centre-back Ibrahima Konate, whose current deal expires at the end of the season.
The France international joined five years ago from RB Leipzig in a £35million move and has made more than 175 appearances for the club across all competitions.
With his contract dwindling down, the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Inter Milan have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old in recent months, but it now appears that Konate is closing in on an extended stay at Anfield.
"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," Konate said following Sunday’s Merseyside derby win, as per the BBC.
"I think everyone wished for that for as soon as possible but we are in a good way."
He continued: "For sure, there is a big chance that I'm here next season. This is what I've always wanted.
"I'm waiting to sort the contract but when everything is sorted you will have to ask Richard [Hughes] what I said to him in September, November before everyone talked about everything and he's going to say something to make everyone quiet. When he's going to reply, you will see. I just wish that."
In FourFourTwo’s view, news of an impending fresh deal for Konate should be welcomed at the club.
While Konate’s form has undeniably dipped this season, he is still ranked 12th in FourFourTwo's list of the best centre-backs in the world right now and has been a vital player for the club over the past three seasons.
Liverpool are clearly in a transitional period and with Van Dijk going into the final year of his contract, Konate can provide some consistancy in the Reds' back-line as they look to identify the Dutchman’s long-term successor.
