Liverpool are facing a pivotal contract crossroads. After watching two stars leave Anfield for free last summer, the club is desperate to avoid a repeat scenario. But with time ticking down on Ibrahima Konaté's current deal, why hasn't the French defender put pen to paper yet?

The situation is becoming increasingly urgent. Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah have both confirmed they'll depart at season's end, leaving Liverpool's hierarchy scrambling to secure their remaining core players. Ryan Gravenberch was the first to commit this season, and talks have reportedly begun with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister. But Konaté's case remains the most perplexing.

Negotiations have dragged on for nearly 18 months, with the 26-year-old repeatedly expressing his desire to stay. An agreement seemed imminent, but fans are still waiting for an official announcement. So what's the hold-up?

According to TEAMtalk, two specific sticking points have stalled the deal: agent fees and the signing-on bonus. While all other contract terms have been agreed in principle, these final financial details remain unresolved. If the two parties can't bridge the gap, Konaté could walk away for nothing—a devastating blow for a club that's already lost key players on free transfers.

The timing couldn't be more critical. Konaté is expected to receive a significant pay rise if an extension is signed, but with his current deal entering its final weeks, Liverpool may need to cave to his demands to keep him in Merseyside. Losing a player of his caliber for free, especially when an agreement is so close, would be a massive setback for a team rebuilding its defensive core.

For now, the ball is in Liverpool's court. Can they find a way to satisfy the final two demands and keep their French star? Or will Konaté become the latest high-profile departure from Anfield? The clock is ticking.