"Where can I go next?" - Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate makes honest transfer admission

Ibrahima Konate has opened up on his future career plans and it's certainly positive news for Liverpool supporters.

Konate, 23, has become an important player for Jurgen Klopp's side since joining in a £36m move from RB Leipzig in 2021.

While he has impressed with his performances, he has also struggled with injuries in his first two seasons at the club -managing only 13 starts in the current campaign.

Nevertheless, he is now viewed as the first-choice centre-back partner for Virgil van Dijk, with Joel Matip also struggling with injuries this season and Joe Gomez suffering a worrying loss of form.

Konate has also broken into the France team off the back of his performances for Liverpool, featuring for his nation in their run to the World Cup final in Qatar.

He is currently away with France for their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against the Netherlands on Friday and the Republic of Ireland on Monday.

Speaking to the French media about his club career, Konate said he had no intention to leaving Liverpool despite this season's disappointment.

"When you play for Liverpool, the question honestly is, 'Where can I go next?'," he told Eurosport.

"And to last at this club, you have to perform. My goal is to be part of the team in the short and long-term, and of course to win all the titles.

"We'll admit it: this season is more complicated for all of us, for the whole club. Nobody is better placed to talk about the reasons than the coach.

"We were unlucky to have a lot of injured players like me at the beginning of the season, maybe we were short of manpower, the workload was intense and it became complicated. But the season is not over."

Konate: Van Dijk is on a different planet

Despite being the preferred central defensive partnership, Konate and Van Dijk have only managed eight games together this season because of injuries to both players.

When asked to compare the Dutch defender to his France teammate Dayot Upamecano, Konate was in no doubt over who is the better defender.

"What kind of question is that?" said Konate. "You can't compare the two. With Upamecano, we are in the same category even if he is a very high competitor.

"But Van Dijk, I put him on a different planet. We're still a long way from achieving what he did. Although we will get there one day, I have no doubt.

"What have I learned from playing with Van Dijk? Leadership, he has such an ease in defending on certain players.

"He has his own technique, it's incredible. His determination, his drive. He has an aura on the pitch, you always feel it. It's an exceptional chance to play with him. But I also have to look at my career and not look at him as a fan all the time."