What is Ibrahima Konate's new demands in front of the Liverpool Football Club?

Liverpool Football Club continue to feel the pressure of ongoing contract negotiations as they enter the final weeks of the campaign. Several players are in the last six months or final year of their contracts, with talks ongoing behind the scenes. While Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly Real Madrid-bound on a Bosman transfer, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are rumored to be close to signing two-year extensions. Amidst all this, Liverpool now face a fresh challenge as Ibrahima Konaté has reportedly requested a salary increase.

According to recent reports, Liverpool’s first-choice center-back pairing partner to Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, has requested a salary increase of 2.5 times his current wages, aiming to raise his weekly pay to £200,000. The report stated:

Konate is seeking a two-and-a-half-times increase on his existing salary of £80,000 a week to earn around £200,000 per week on a new contract.

If the proposed deal goes through, Ibrahima Konaté would become one of the top earners at the club; almost on par with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson, and the Real Madrid-bound Trent Alexander-Arnold. With just over a year remaining on his current contract, Liverpool will be keen to avoid repeating the 2025 situation, where multiple unresolved contract scenarios cast uncertainty over the squad.

Liverpool face contract conundrum with Ibrahima Konate

Liverpool have consistently maintained a balanced wage structure to operate sustainably without heavily relying on their financial reserves. The club has traditionally offered performance-based contracts to ensure pay parity across the squad. With the Frenchman turning 26, Liverpool believe there could be at least one more instance in the future where he may seek another salary increase, something that could potentially disrupt the existing wage framework. Should the club decide to renew its contract under revised terms, it could directly impact upcoming negotiations, including the new deal being considered for Conor Bradley. 

PSG are also interested in securing the services of a French defender in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Paris Saint-Germain are keen to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté in the summer and the player is interested in a move to the Ligue 1 club, sources have told ESPN.