Ibrahima Konate claims he is “close to an agreement” with Liverpool over a new contract and there is a “big chance” he will remain at Anfield next season.
The France centre-back’s current deal expires this summer, five years after joining from RB Leipzig for £35m.
Speaking after Sunday’s Merseyside derby win, the 26-year-old said his future has never been in doubt, indicating he told sporting director Richard Hughes early in talks that he did not want to leave.
“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,” said Konate.
“I think everyone wished for that for as soon as possible but we are in a good way.”
He added: “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 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.”
Asked why talks have dragged into April, Ibrahima Konate pointed to the past contract situations of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, saying it was “exactly the same” and “maybe how the club want it.”
Konate has made 113 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, helping them win the title last season, as well as the FA Cup and EFL Cup in 2022.
Liverpool are set to finish this campaign without silverware but are on course to qualify for next season’s Champions League, sitting fifth and seven points clear of Chelsea.
“It’s been a bad season for the standards of Liverpool. If we finish in the top four, we won’t be happy, for sure,” said Ibrahima Konate.
“For sure with this kind of a season, we have to give our all next season to make something good.
“It’s such an amazing club and amazing family… This club means so much to me.”
Ibrahima Konate has endured a difficult campaign personally. His father died in France in January, but the centre-back offered to cut short his compassionate leave to support Liverpool amid their defensive injury problems.
“It was a tough year because many things happened and I think if everyone knew exactly what happened to me, they could understand many things, which kind of sacrifices I’ve done for this club,” he said.
“I think it is great and one day I would take the time to think about it. Right now, we focus on the end of the season and make sure we are qualified for the Champions League.
“After, we take the time to talk about the season because it’s going to be a big part of my story and it’s sad in one part, but it’s very nice for my story when I explain that to my future kids and those people who support this club as well.”
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