According to Liverpool insiders, the 26-year-old center-back has become vital to Arne Slot's system despite occasional inconsistency. Konate recently returned to form after taking compassionate leave following his father's death, showing improved performances against Newcastle, Sunderland, and Brighton.
Journalists Paul Gorst and Ian Doyle both stress the importance of securing a new deal. Gorst argues that replacing a player of Konate's level would cost more than his new contract, while Doyle notes elite center-backs in their prime rarely become available on free transfers, which would attract significant interest if Liverpool fails to renew.