Liverpool Confident Over Konaté Extension Despite Real Madrid Interest
A new twist has emerged in the saga surrounding Ibrahima Konaté’s future, with fresh reports suggesting Liverpool are increasingly confident of tying down the French defender to a long-term deal — despite mounting speculation linking him with Real Madrid.
The 26-year-old centre-back, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021 for £36m, is now in the final year of his contract. Having developed into one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders and a key figure in Arne Slot’s title-winning campaign last season, Konaté’s future has been a subject of intense debate.
Contract Talks Back on Track
Negotiations for an extension began last autumn and initially seemed close to completion. However, talks stalled, fueling speculation that Real Madrid were preparing to lure him to the Bernabéu on a free transfer. Reports in Spain even claimed a deal with Los Blancos was “done,” with an announcement expected in January.
But according to L’Équipe, those reports are wide of the mark. The French outlet insists Konaté is happy at Anfield and that Liverpool now feel “confident” of reaching an agreement. Still, certain financial details need to be resolved before a final deal can be signed.
Currently on wages of around £70,000 a week, Konaté is reportedly seeking a new contract worth closer to £200,000 per week — a figure he believes reflects both his importance to the team and his market value.
Bargaining Power in Konaté’s Hands
Konaté has two major advantages in negotiations: his undisputed status as Virgil van Dijk’s defensive partner and the leverage of potentially leaving as a free agent next summer.
So far this season, he has featured in nine of Liverpool’s 10 matches, only missing the Carabao Cup clash with Southampton. Last season, he started 30 of 38 league games, logging more than 2,500 minutes — the highest total since his arrival. Injuries aside, he is firmly ahead of Joe Gomez and young Giovanni Leoni in the defensive pecking order.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano recently admitted Liverpool are in a “difficult position,” with Real Madrid maintaining strong interest and close ties to the defender’s agents. “Talks were close in October/November 2024,” Romano explained. “Then things changed. Now it’s complicated. Madrid like Konaté and prefer free transfers.”
Dean Jones, another transfer specialist, echoed this, suggesting that Konaté remains Madrid’s most likely centre-back target for 2026, though Spurs’ Micky van de Ven is also on their radar.
Possible Replacement Plans
Should Liverpool fail to secure Konaté’s future, they are expected to turn to Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi. The England international is admired for his ability to progress the ball out of defence, an area where Konaté has sometimes struggled. However, the Reds face stiff competition for his signature from a Premier League rival.
Elsewhere, winger Federico Chiesa is said to have received four offers to leave Anfield, with his future expected to become clearer when the January transfer window opens. New signing Jeremie Frimpong is also under scrutiny after failing to impress in an advanced role against Galatasaray, leaving Slot still searching for solutions to his right-back dilemma.
The Verdict
Liverpool remain optimistic of securing Konaté’s future, but the defender’s growing leverage — coupled with Madrid’s interest — ensures this story is far from over. The coming months will be decisive, with January looming as a potential turning point in the battle for his signature.
