Ibrahima Konaté 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, Konaté will be free to negotiate pre-contract terms with other clubs from January onward.
Konaté 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 Liverpool’s 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, Konaté 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 couldn’t be worse for Jürgen Klopp’s 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, Konaté himself joked that compatriot and Madrid star Kylian Mbappé “calls me every two hours” to convince him to move to the Bernabéu.
With talks stalled and Madrid’s confidence growing, signs increasingly point toward Konaté’s departure. Unless Liverpool return with significantly improved terms, the Frenchman looks set to be the next high-profile name to leave Anfield.
