Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has publicly called for defender Ibrahima Konaté to remain at the club, describing his French centre-back teammate as “world-class” and essential for Liverpool’s future plans.
Konaté’s contract is set to expire at the end of the 2025‑26 season, and a new deal has not yet been finalised. The 26-year-old has reportedly attracted interest from other top European clubs, raising concerns about a potential free transfer.
Van Dijk emphasised how crucial Konaté is both on and off the pitch, highlighting that securing his long-term future would strengthen Liverpool defensively and maintain leadership within the squad. “In my eyes, he is a world-class centre-back,” he said, noting that contract negotiations involve multiple parties and careful consideration.
The call to retain Konaté comes after another strong defensive performance in Liverpool’s 1‑0 Premier League win over Sunderland, in which the Frenchman played a key role. Van Dijk expressed hope that an agreement can be reached, aiming for a positive resolution before the summer.