Barcelona Eye Ibrahima Konaté as Free Transfer Option for 2026
Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté with an eye toward signing him on a free transfer in the summer of 2026, according to journalist Santi Aouna.
The 26-year-old French international is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2025/26 season, with talks over a contract extension at Anfield having stalled. Liverpool have yet to reach an agreement with the defender, raising the possibility of a high-profile departure.
Konaté, widely regarded as one of the most physically dominant and technically assured centre-backs in Europe, is now attracting attention from several of the continent’s elite. Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are among the top clubs also tracking his situation closely.
With his contract running down, Konaté would be eligible to negotiate freely with foreign clubs from January 2026 — and could command a substantial signing bonus given there would be no transfer fee involved.
Reports suggest the defender is open to leaving Liverpool as a free agent, especially if terms cannot be agreed in the coming months. Despite his importance to the Reds’ backline, his future at Anfield is now shrouded in uncertainty.
If Konaté does opt for a move, he’ll have no shortage of suitors — and Barcelona, eager to reinforce their defence with top-tier talent, are expected to be at the front of the queue.
