Real Madrid eye Ibrahima Konate as Liverpool face crucial contract decision
Liverpool’s rebuild under Arne Slot hasn’t quieted speculation around their defense, and now fresh reports from Spain place Ibrahima Konate firmly in the spotlight.
According to Lewis Steele (Mail Sport), Real Madrid are growing confident of securing the Frenchman on a free transfer next summer, with his current Liverpool deal expiring in 2026.
Spanish outlets have likened Konate’s situation to that of Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose cut-price move to the Bernabéu sent shockwaves earlier this year. Madrid officials are said to be considering their options, with the January transfer window offering the chance to open negotiations.
Contract talks between Liverpool and Konate have been ongoing since last November but remain unresolved. Despite that, the defender has consistently stressed his commitment to Anfield, telling reporters after last season’s successes:
“To win a trophy was just amazing. And today, to win the Premier League, I know I have a lot of objectives with this club: to become a leader, to win everything. I am very happy here.”
Still, Konate recently added fuel to the rumor mill by joking on French TV that Kylian Mbappé is “calling me every two hours” about Madrid.
Liverpool, however, appear calm. Paul Joyce reports the club will not plead with any player to stay, instead leaving it to their hierarchy to persuade Konate to commit his best years to Merseyside.
Letting him walk away for free would be a major setback, meaning the coming months could prove decisive in determining his future.
