Liverpool captain Van Dijk says he wants 'world-class' Konate to stay

Virgil van Dijk said he wants Ibrahima Konate to remain at Liverpool beyond this summer as the defender's contract approaches expiry, and described him as a "world-class" centre back after Liverpool's win at Sunderland.

Virgil van Dijk said he wants Ibrahima Konate to remain at Liverpool beyond this summer, when the defender's contract is due to expire. Van Dijk described Konate as a "world-class" centre back and praised his leadership on and off the pitch. The comments came after Van Dijk scored the only goal in Liverpool's win at Sunderland, a match in which he highlighted Konate's strong defensive display. Liverpool will have other centre-back options available in the summer, but it is not yet clear whether a new deal will be agreed. What we know: - Van Dijk publicly said he wants Konate to stay at Liverpool beyond this summer. - Konate joined Liverpool in 2021 and has made 165 appearances for the club since his move from RB Salzburg. - Van Dijk called Konate "world-class" and said he is an important figure on and off the pitch. - Van Dijk scored the only goal as Liverpool beat Sunderland and praised Konate's performance in that match. - Konate's contract is set to expire this summer and discussions involve the club, the player and his agents; Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet are noted as additional centre-back options who are currently injured. Summary: Van Dijk's public support highlights Konate's perceived importance to Liverpool's defence and leadership group. Decisions about a new contract involve the club, Konate and his agents, and the outcome is undetermined at this time.