Daniel Sturridge makes plea to Liverpool as Ibrahima Konate contract continues to cause worry

Add as preferred source on Google

Liverpool have plenty to sort out this summer as they aim to build on an unexpectedly successful campaign.

Although the Reds clearly had more than enough to challenge this season, it had been designed as a buffer year for Arne Slot to really get to grips with the club and his players.

Slot deserves credit for doing far better than that, leading Liverpool to a 20th league title at the first time of asking.

From hereon in, the Liverpool head coach is ready to put his own stamp on the squad. As a result, this summer is expected to be a busy one.

But while most of the attention will be focused on new signings, Liverpool have once again put themselves in a difficult position in regards to contracts.

After the sideshow that was new deals for Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk – and a lack of one for Trent Alexander-Arnold – Ibrahima Konate is now entering the final year of his deal. And according to Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool absolutely have to get it sorted.

Daniel Sturridge urges Liverpool to tie Ibrahima Konate down

Konate has been linked with a transfer away from Liverpool as he moves into the final 12 months of his contract.

The Frenchman has been key to the Reds’ title-winning campaign, only missing seven matches in the Premier League.

Recognising his importance to the Liverpool squad, Sturridge spoke to Sky Sports on Sunday to urge his old team to sort things out with Konate.

“You’ve got to lock up Konate,” he said when asked about Liverpool’s summer business after watching them lose against Chelsea.

READ MORE: Dean Huijsen transfer race set to end as Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool wait on Bournemouth man’s decision

“That’s very important because his partnership with Virgil van Dijk has been key to the team’s success. Tying him down to a contract I think is the next thing they need to do.

“We’ve seen the talk this season around the contracts, we don’t want that going on with Konate next season,” Sturridge added.

“I think it’s important for the football club to have that consistency in defence. It’s always good to have a partnership you can rely on and trust and have that triangle with the goalkeeper. So, I think that’s an important signing for them.”

Will Konate sign a new contract?

This is certainly a worrying situation for Liverpool to find themselves in. If they can’t sort Konate out with a new deal by the time the summer window opens, they may start to lose control of it.

If a PSG or a Real Madrid come in and make a good offer – to the player and to Liverpool – there is a real danger Konate could leave.

After finally staying injury free for most of the season and establishing himself as one of the best centre-backs in Europe once again, that is the last thing Liverpool need.

Since the Reds won the title last month, Konate has been complimentary of the club and its fans. He does seem happy on Merseyside.

But if Liverpool do not show him that they are happy with him too, then maybe the 25-year-old will start to see his future being elsewhere. In our opinion this one hangs in the balance. Hopefully some progress can be made soon.