Reports across Europe indicate that Real Madrid have strong reason to feel encouraged as Liverpool approach a crucial stage in Ibrahima KonatĂ©âs contract negotiations.
The French defender is entering the final stretch of his current deal at Anfield, and with no renewal agreed, time is running out. From January 1, KonatĂ© will legally be able to negotiate a pre-contract with foreign clubs â and Real Madrid are currently favourites to land him.
According to Madrid-based outlet Marca, which has close ties to the club, KonatĂ© has emerged as Los Blancosâ main defensive target for 2026. With uncertainty surrounding David Alaba and Antonio RĂŒdiger, plus ongoing injury issues, Real want to secure defensive reinforcements as soon as possible.
Liverpoolâs âfinal offerâ đ
A report from CaughtOffside claims Liverpool have delivered a firm ultimatum:
accept their final contract proposal â which would place KonatĂ© among the squadâs top earners â or be sold in January.
Should he decline, Liverpool are ready to move quickly for Crystal Palace star Marc Guéhi as his replacement.
As of now, Konaté has not given Liverpool an answer.
Why a January departure wonât be simple
Despite the noise, several factors complicate an early exit:
- Konaté might choose to see out his contract, giving him more bargaining power as a free agent in the summer.
- Crystal Palace are reluctant to offload Guéhi mid-season, even though he could leave for free next year.
- Guéhi is attracting interest from Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan, making a swift January move to Liverpool uncertain.
Liverpool nearly signed Guéhi in 2025, but Palace backed out late after failing to secure a replacement.
More optimistic updates for Liverpool đŽ
Some more credible outlets suggest Liverpoolâs situation isnât as dire:
- LâĂquipe reports the club still believe KonatĂ© will agree a new deal.
- TEAMtalk journalist Fraser Fletcher says Liverpool plan to offer a shorter 12â18 month extension to protect his value.
- Konaté is reportedly willing to remain at Anfield if the club can match his expectations for playing time, trophies, and long-term ambition.
An internal source summed it up clearly:
âIbou loves Liverpool, but he wants guarantees â minutes, trophies, and a real project. If the deal is right, heâll stay.â
Elsewhere around Madrid
- Real Madrid have completed their strategy for signing Florian Wirtz ahead of 2026.
- Conflicting reports continue about Arsenalâs supposed January interest in Rodrygo.
- Chelsea are preparing an offer for a Madrid player who already seems set for another destination.