Journalist: Liverpool ‘in talks’ to end ongoing transfer … — and more

Positive Signs Emerge in Liverpool Contract Talks with Ibrahima Konate

Liverpool’s 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest kept their Premier League ambitions alive, but off the pitch the focus is increasingly shifting towards the future of key players. On Media Matters for Anfield Index, David Lynch offered encouraging insight into the club’s contract talks with Ibrahima Konate, whose current deal is set to expire in June.

At a time when stability is crucial, Lynch’s update suggested there is genuine cause for optimism.

Talks Ongoing Between Liverpool and Konate Camp

Lynch was clear that discussions are active and not one sided speculation. “Liverpool are in talks as I understand it and that is corroborated on both sides of the deal by the way. That’s Liverpool and the player’s camp.”

That line carries weight. In a season filled with uncertainty around performances and recruitment, confirmation that dialogue is open and constructive provides reassurance. Lynch stressed that “we know that it’s not over yet,” but the tone was notably positive.

There is no sense of a stalled situation or imminent exit. In fact, Lynch pointed to the absence of serious external noise as another encouraging indicator.

No Major Transfer Links Circulating

One of the strongest signals, according to Lynch, is what is not being reported.

“The upside is we’re not hearing any big links to anyone yet in terms of moves for him,” he explained. In the modern Premier League landscape, silence can often be as meaningful as headlines.

He went further when discussing speculation about interest from abroad. “For me, it’s just not really a topic at the moment,” Lynch said, dismissing the idea of imminent approaches. “I haven’t heard anything just yet about actual interest in him or that he’s going to go anywhere.”

With his contract expiring in June, the absence of aggressive suitors or advanced talks elsewhere suggests Liverpool retain control of the situation.

Photo: IMAGO

Konate’s Importance to Liverpool

Beyond the contractual mechanics, Lynch emphasised Konate’s footballing value. “He’s just an absolutely massive player, isn’t he?” he said, underlining the scale of the defender’s importance.

Despite acknowledging that Konate has endured “a really difficult season,” Lynch contextualised that assessment. “We can all see why that’s been the case and that doesn’t erase what he’s been over the last kind of four years for Liverpool, which is absolutely brilliant.”

That broader view matters. Form fluctuates, particularly in a side that has struggled for consistency. But pedigree and peak level remain intact.

Lynch also highlighted the practical implications of losing Konate. “If there’s going to be turnover again in the squad this summer, that’s not going to be helpful. We don’t want another transition season coming up.”

In short, continuity at centre half strengthens Liverpool’s platform.

Case for a Breakthrough Before June

Lynch stopped short of declaring a deal imminent, but his desire for clarity was evident. “I would love to hear some positive breakthrough news about that,” he admitted.

The tone, however, remained hopeful rather than anxious. There is active dialogue, no confirmed external push, and recognition on both sides of Konate’s value.

With Liverpool locked in a tight Premier League battle for Champions League qualification, securing Konate’s future would represent more than administrative housekeeping. It would signal intent.

As Lynch framed it, maintaining stability in key positions is essential. Konate’s renewal would reduce uncertainty, preserve defensive quality and allow recruitment focus to shift elsewhere.

For now, the message is measured but optimistic. Talks are ongoing, interest from elsewhere appears limited, and both Liverpool and Konate’s representatives are engaged. In a season defined by narrow margins, that may be one of the most encouraging developments yet.

Vote now for The News Tribune’s Boys Athlete of the Week for contests played between Feb. 16-21. Voting will remain open until noon Wednesday.

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Want to nominate a South Sound high school athlete in the future? Email reporter Jon Manley ([email protected]) or Tyler Wicke ([email protected]) or send a direct message on Twitter/X (@manley_tnt or @WickeTyler) with the athlete’s first and last name, school, year, position and a stat line from game(s) during the past week. Nominations must be submitted by 5 p.m. Sunday.

Dakota Anderson, Orting wrestling — Freshman claimed the 2A 150 state title at Mat Classic XXXVII on Saturday.

Trevor Anderson, Orting wrestling — Junior defeated three-time state champion Steve Romero (Toppenish) in the 2A 126 state championship on Saturday, claiming his second Mat Classic title at the Tacoma Dome.

Quamari Costello, Puyallup basketball — Sophomore guard dropped team-high 18 points to guide the Vikings to the 4A District 3 title over Emerald Ridge, 61-52, on Saturday.

Arcadius Cruz, Orting wrestling — Sophomore claimed the 2A 120 state title at Mat Classic XXXVII on Saturday.

Brycen Dawley, Tahoma wrestling — Sophomore won the 4A 126 state title at Mat Classic XXXVII on Friday.

Isac Deonigi, Tahoma wrestling — Senior claimed the 4A 157 state title at Mat Classic XXXVII on Friday.

Wesley Fox, Capital wrestling — Junior captured the 3A 157 state title at Mat Classic XXXVII on Friday.

Michael Fritz, Orting wrestling — Senior won his third state title at Mat Classic XXXVII on Saturday, defeating Deer Park’s Emmitt Priddy for the 2A 165 title.

Hoyt Harshman, Sumner wrestling — Sophomore claimed the 4A 120 state title at Mat Classic XXXVII on Friday.

Justus Holt, Lincoln basketball — Sophomore forward scored 15 points in win over Auburn Mountainview in 3A District 3/4 championship game on Saturday.

Farzad Karimi, Kent-Meridian wrestling — Senior claimed the 3A 106 state title at Mat Classic XXXVII on Friday.

Owen Marshall, Tahoma wrestling — Junior won his second state title (4A 132) at Mat Classic XXXVII on Friday.

Michael Masini, Gig Harbor basketball — Senior forward finished his high-school career with a pair of double-doubles in the 3A District 3 tournament, becoming Gig Harbor’s all-time leading scorer. Masini dropped 30 points with 13 rebounds and four blocks in Tuesday’s loss to Auburn Mountainview, adding 21 points and 11 rebounds in Thursday’s loss to River Ridge.

Jamaize McGriff, Emerald Ridge basketball — Senior forward dropped game-high 24 points in 4A District 3 championship loss to Puyallup on Saturday.

Lazarus McEwen, Capital wrestling — Sophomore won his second state title (3A 113) at Mat Classic XXXVII on Friday.

William Moran, Life Christian wrestling — Freshman claimed the 1A 157 state title at Mat Classic XXXVII on Saturday.

Will Nasinec, Puyallup basketball — Scored 14 points in win over Emerald Ridge in 4A District 3/4 championship game on Saturday.

Aydin Nuraddinov, Kent-Meridian wrestling — Senior won the 3A 165 state title at Mat Classic XXXVII on Friday.

Kolven Posey, Auburn Mountainview basketball — Scored a game-high 22 points in 3A District 3/4 semifinal win over Bellarmine Prep and 13 points in loss to Lincoln in Saturday’s championship game.

Nery Rivas, Orting wrestling — Sophomore won the 2A 113 state title at the Tacoma Dome on Saturday for his second Mat Classic title.

Davion Shareef-Dulaney, Lincoln basketball — Sophomore guard joined the 1,000-point career scoring club in Thursday’s district semifinal win over Enumclaw, adding 17 points in Saturday’s win over Auburn Mountainview in the 3A District 3/4 championship.

Mason Sonntag, Puyallup basketball — Scored 10 points in win over Emerald Ridge in 4A District 3/4 championship game on Saturday.

Nathaniel Trieu, Kennedy Catholic wrestling — Sophomore won his second state title (4A 113) at Mat Classic XXXVII on Friday.

Kasey Williams, Lincoln basketball — Senior forward dropped team-high 18 points to lift Abes to the 3A District 3/4 title over Auburn Mountainview on Saturday.

Adrian Windsor, Silas wrestling — Sophomore won his second state title (3A 120) at Mat Classic XXXVII on Friday.

offensive line, wide receiver, backup tight end...Cleveland needs a bit of everything on offense.

The best of all time keeps getting it done.

Manchester City are in this season’s title race up to their eyeballs. Pep Guardiola’s side hold their destiny in their own hands as the 25/26 season enters its penultimate phase. With the number of new players in the City squad, it was expected that this would be a transition season at the Etihad. In a way, it still is. But rather than battling to fight for a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League, as sides in transition typically do, Pep Guardiola’s side are fighting for honors on four fronts. Due to this, it is forgotten that City are in the midst of a rebuild. Comments from Marc Guehi after his team’s 2-1 win over Newcastle show the task in front of this new-look City side.

Marc Guehi, like many of his teammates, is learning on the job at Manchester City.

Speaking after Manchester City’s important win over Newcastle, Marc Guehi explained just how much he is learning playing at Manchester City and under Pep Guardiola. Guehi’s response when speaking on life at City after arriving at the club from Crystal Palace during last month’s transfer window were quite telling. He explained: “It’s a top club. Since I came here, everyone has been so welcoming – players and staff. I have had to change my game completely. I am learning every day. When to pass the ball, committing players – so many aspects I am learning on the job. It’s been great because I have had a lot of help.”

“How you see Pep on TV is what he is like – passionate, intense and a winner. He wants to play his way. I am just glad I have the opportunity to be here.”

Marc Guehi’s comments do highlight a forgotten aspect of this City team.

It has been forgotten recently just how many Manchester City players are learning the Pep Guardiola way this season. Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo are the two most recent examples. The pair arrived at the club during the January transfer window. Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and even Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov can be factored into this equation. Manchester City’s newer players are learning and contending for honors at the same time. There is no room for error in terms of results for Pep Guardiola’s side. At the same time, learning the City way does come with the opportunity for errors to happen during a match. The fact that Pep Guardiola’s side can rely on their spirit and teamwork to overcome this speaks volumes about what Guardiola and his team are building.

This Manchester City side is learning on the job while playing under the extreme pressure that comes with contending in multiple competitions. Marc Guehi’s comments after Manchester City’s win over Newcastle illustrate this point, and it has been overlooked as the title race takes centre stage as this season continues to develop.