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Ibrahima Konate is set to sign a new long-term contract at Liverpool, ending months of speculation over his Anfield future.
Konate will be a free agent this summer as things stand and has been linked with a move away from Anfield for several months, with Real Madrid repeatedly named as a potential destination.
However, the centre-back revealed after Sunday's 2-1 win over Everton that he is on the cusp of extending his stay on Merseyside, claiming a move away was never part of his thinking having become a mainstay of the team since his 2021 switch from RB Leipzig.
“To be fair, there are many things people have said, but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are [now] close to an agreement," Konate explained. "I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible but we are in a good way.
“For sure there is a big chance I’m here next season. This is what I always wanted. I’m waiting to sort the contract but when everything is sorted you will have to ask (sporting director) Richard Hughes what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.
“Yes [it's taken a long time] but this is a negotiation. With Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah last season it was exactly the same, I think they signed the contract in April and this is maybe how the club want it.”
He added: “I think I'm a leader already for this team, for the younger players, for the players of my generation, everyone to be fair. We know this is part of the football life. The legends are going to leave one day and after it's going to be our turn to take the lead, you know.
"I started [doing] this already since years ago and more in the last few months and it's a big responsibility. But we start and we play football to have this kind of chance and to make sure everything is fine for this amazing club. But I need the help of everyone as well. I cannot do everything alone.
“That's why I said, when everything's going to be sorted, I wish you had a discussion with Richard and asked what I said to him a few months ago before everyone talked about everything and when he’s going to reply, you will see. I just wish that."
Konate will be a free agent this summer as things stand and has been linked with a move away from Anfield for several months, with Real Madrid repeatedly named as a potential destination.
However, the centre-back revealed after Sunday's 2-1 win over Everton that he is on the cusp of extending his stay on Merseyside, claiming a move away was never part of his thinking having become a mainstay of the team since his 2021 switch from RB Leipzig.
“To be fair, there are many things people have said, but for a long time we have spoken with the club and we are [now] close to an agreement," Konate explained. "I think everyone wished for that for as long as possible but we are in a good way.
“For sure there is a big chance I’m here next season. This is what I always wanted. I’m waiting to sort the contract but when everything is sorted you will have to ask (sporting director) Richard Hughes what I said to him in September, November and he’s going to say something to make everyone quiet.
“Yes [it's taken a long time] but this is a negotiation. With Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah last season it was exactly the same, I think they signed the contract in April and this is maybe how the club want it.”
He added: “I think I'm a leader already for this team, for the younger players, for the players of my generation, everyone to be fair. We know this is part of the football life. The legends are going to leave one day and after it's going to be our turn to take the lead, you know.
"I started [doing] this already since years ago and more in the last few months and it's a big responsibility. But we start and we play football to have this kind of chance and to make sure everything is fine for this amazing club. But I need the help of everyone as well. I cannot do everything alone.
“That's why I said, when everything's going to be sorted, I wish you had a discussion with Richard and asked what I said to him a few months ago before everyone talked about everything and when he’s going to reply, you will see. I just wish that."
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