The current campaign can only be described as Ibrahima Konate's most challenging season in a Liverpool shirt.
Now in his fifth year in England, the Frenchman faces the very real possibility that it could be his last at Anfield.
Liverpool have attempted to secure Konate's future for approximately 12 months, engaging in contract talks that have not reached an agreement to date. With just months remaining on his current deal, manager Arne Slot has not yet given up hope on a renewal.
Speaking a few days ago, Slot said: “Ibou has had a very good spell recently. He had a lot of good games earlier in the season but then he was also part of the reason why we conceded a goal.
“His general performances were good but then a small mistake he made immediately led to a goal and so he was judged differently. But he is having a very good partnership with Virgil since I’ve been here and, just like Virgil, he has always been fit.
"These two are vital for us, not only because of the quality they have but because of the lack of options we have behind.”
The Reds have already started looking ahead
The Reds have already begun investing heavily in the future of their backline. At right-back, Jeremie Frimpong arrived last summer to fill the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid and Conor Bradley remains a bright prospect despite a recent ACL tear.
Milos Kerkez is steadily finding his feet as Andy Robertson’s eventual successor at left-back, while the signing of Giovanni Leoni signaled a long-term shift.
However, his September 2025 debut was cut short by a torn left ACL injury that will keep him out for a year.
Arguably, the most significant signing is the £65m acquisition of Jeremy Jacquet. The former Rennes man is expected to command significant game time next season, potentially at Konaté’s expense next to van Dijk.
Should Liverpool look to move on from Konaté?
The acquisition of Jacquet is the biggest indication that the club are preparing for life without Konate. Whether that includes a transitional year for the Rennes defender to acclimatise to the Premier League is yet to be seen.
Liverpool now face the dilemma of measuring reliability against availability, when it comes to how much they value Konate in terms of his new wage structure and playing expectations.
As Slot highlighted, unlike previous seasons, Konate has been available for almost every game this season. So far, he has started 25 Premier League games, which is just 5 shy of his record last season.
It could not have come at a better time for the Reds, given the nature of their depleted defence in recent months which is still a body or two short from competing properly in 3 competitions.
The only fixture Konaté has missed this season was the January clash against Bournemouth following the passing of his father, Hamady.
Grief has cast a long shadow over the entire squad in 2025/26 following the tragic loss of Diogo Jota last July, but particularly for Konaté who was very close to Jota.
The mental resilience required to perform at an elite level while navigating the loss of both a "brother" and a father within the space of seven months cannot be overlooked. While he has been susceptible to occasional errors on the pitch, his resilience in the face of such personal trauma is remarkable.
The decision is in Konate's hands too
Without saying as many words, the arrival of Jacquet suggests a changing of the guard, which could be a contributing factor to Konaté leaving if he does not end up signing a new deal at the club.
The saving factor is that integrating a young defender into the Premier League often requires a buffer year.
With Leoni returning from the long-term ACL recovery, he will likely need time to regain match sharpness and confidence.
Konate's game time would be reduced as next season goes on, but at the age of 26, is that something that Konate would be willing to compromise when he can still start for most top clubs in Europe?
Furthermore, with whispers of uncertainty regarding Mohamed Salah and Arne Slot, the club cannot afford a total void of leadership - on and off the pitch.
Liverpool need familiarity and senior heads in the midst of investing in the future. Letting a fit, experienced, and resilient version of Konaté walk away could leave the Reds' defence dangerously young and vulnerable at a time when they need stability most.