Ibrahima Konatรฉ has rejected a third contract proposal from Liverpool, sending a strong signal that the club may be forced to accept his departure when his deal runs out next summer.
The 26-year-old defender has been locked in negotiations with the Reds for months, but no agreement has been reached. Now in the final year of his contract, Konatรฉ will be free to negotiate pre-contract terms with other clubs from January onward.
Konatรฉ turns down Liverpool renewal
According to Marca, the French international has already set his sights on joining Real Madrid as a free agent, after turning down Liverpoolโs latest offer. The situation mirrors the one Liverpool faced last season with Trent Alexander-Arnold before eventually resolving his future.
Since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2021, Konatรฉ has established himself as a key figure at the back alongside Virgil van Dijk. However, with his current deal running until June 2026 and negotiations at a stalemate, Liverpool risk losing him without a transfer fee.
Madrid leading the chase
The timing couldnโt be worse for Jรผrgen Kloppโs side, as Real Madrid are already positioning themselves to secure his signature. Reports suggest the Spanish giants view him as a priority target and are confident of landing him once his contract expires.
Adding fuel to the speculation, Konatรฉ himself joked that compatriot and Madrid star Kylian Mbappรฉ โcalls me every two hoursโ to convince him to move to the Bernabรฉu.
With talks stalled and Madridโs confidence growing, signs increasingly point toward Konatรฉโs departure. Unless Liverpool return with significantly improved terms, the Frenchman looks set to be the next high-profile name to leave Anfield.
