The 26-year-old France international has become increasingly important to Arne Slot's side despite occasional inconsistency. After returning from compassionate leave following his father's death, Konate has shown refreshed form and confidence in recent matches against Newcastle, Sunderland and Brighton.
Journalists Paul Gorst and Ian Doyle both emphasize the urgency of negotiations, noting that elite center-backs in their prime rarely become available on free transfers. They argue that while Liverpool must control wages, replacing a player of Konate's caliber would cost significantly more than keeping him through his peak years.