Liverpool contract latest: Can Arne Slot keep star defender amidst interest from European giant?

Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate has hinted that he would be happy to stay at Anfield despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

The Reds are currently first in the Premier League and could extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points should they beat Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday at Anfield.

However, with the end of the season approaching, some fans have become concerned that players such as Virgil van Dijk could leave the club given he is out of contract at the end of 2024-25.

In a boost to boss Arne Slot, centre-back Konate has indicated he hopes to be part of the club's future, saying: "Honestly, to be in this club, this means a lot of things because I'm a part of this story of this club and I really hope this season and the seasons of the future we will do great things as well. I'm really happy to be here. It's just a dream."

Konate has been linked with PSG in the past and has entered the final 18 months of his contract, but his comments will come as welcome relief to Liverpool fans.

Why Liverpool cannot afford to lose Konate

Konate has arguably been among the best centre-backs in the Premier League this season, with the Reds' record of 23 goals conceded making them the second-best defensive team in the top flight.

The Frenchman excels when isolated against attackers on the right channel, and his ability to shut out forwards using his immense strength and speed has helped prevent Trent Alexander-Arnold from becoming exposed at the back.

There are few defenders that can claim to be as aerially dominant, and his aerial win percentage of 77.5% is in fact the best in the league.

During his time at Anfield, Konate has been plagued by injury issues, but under Slot the 25-year-old's injury woes have seemingly lessened considering he has already played 1,489 minutes in the Premier League, just 85 minutes short of his career high in England.

The Reds already face the prospect of losing both Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold this summer for free, while left-back Andrew Robertson has been criticised for his performances this campaign, and the likes of Milos Kerkez and Rayan Ait-Nouri have been touted by some fans as a potential replacement for the Scotsman.

Should any of the trio be replaced or leave Merseyside, it is imperative that Konate is tied down to a new deal in order to limit the disruption in the backline and ensure Slot does not have to work with an entirely new back four next term.