Liverpool Transfer News: Slot admits shock contract talks as Mane deal heats up

Robin Bairner

14 Feb 2026 12:12 GMT
3 min read

Liverpool are making moves ahead of the summer transfer window, with Ibrahima Konate in contract talks as deals for breakout Wolves star Mateus Mane and Spain ace Nico Williams both advancing at pace.

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Slot admits Konate contract talks are open

Ibrahima Konate had been expected to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, but Arne Slot has revealed that contract talks are set to be opened with the centre-back.

“It’s clear we would like him to stay but negotiations are ongoing so let’s see where that ends. We wouldn’t be in negotiations if we didn’t want him to stay,” he told the media.

“He has had a very good partnership with Virgil since I’ve been here and, just like Virgil, he has always been fit. Touch wood. These two are vital for us, not only because of the quality they have but because of the lack of options we have behind."

Konate had been heavily linked with a potential move to Real Madrid as a free agent at the end of the season, but with that interest having apparently cooled, the France international could now cause a sensation and remain at Anfield.

Current ETV

Ibrahima Konaté

D (C)

Liverpool

Ibrahima Konaté

D (C)

Liverpool

ETV Range

€35.9M - €43.9M

Transfer talks opened with Mane

Liverpool are seeking to steal a march on their rivals to sign Mateus Mane from Wolves, with the Reds bringing his representatives in to Anfield to discuss their long-term project, according to DaveOCKOP.

The 18-year-old has featured 16 times for Wolves this season in a variety of positions across their attack, scoring two goals and creating two more in 15 Premier League outings. Such form has caught the eye of several clubs, including the Reds, who face competition from at least six other teams to sign the England U18 star.

Formal talks have not been opened, but Mane’s agents have been at Liverpool’s AXA training ground to get a feel of the club and what their plans for the versatile forward may be.

Wolves have been quoted as having put a price of at least €55 million on the teenager’s head.

Liverpool to trigger Nico Williams’ release clause

Nico Williams has been a long-time target of Liverpool and the Reds are now ready to trigger the Athletic Club winger’s release clause, which is set at €95m.

A subject of regular transfer speculation over recent years, Nico has been linked to all the major Premier League clubs but has so far been persuaded to stick with Athletic – the club of his childhood.

However, a fresh assault is coming from England in the summer. El Nacional reports that both Liverpool and Tottenham are ready to pay Williams’ release fee, despite the 23-year-old having had a relatively disappointing season because of injury issues.