Ibrahima Konate is reportedly attracting interest from Real Madrid due to a contract stalemate with Liverpool.
With just two weeks left before Konate enters the final year of his current deal, Liverpool are under pressure to make a major decision about the 26-year-old defender.
Transfer journalist Graeme Bailey has suggested that the French international is seeking a substantial salary to extend his stay at Anfield. He also noted in May that negotiations have been stagnant for some time.
This lack of progress may work in Real Madrid’s favor. According to Jose Felix Diaz (via Football Espana), the Spanish giants are monitoring Konate’s situation and could consider signing him on a free transfer in 2026.
After the tense transfer of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid earlier this year, Liverpool are eager to avoid another drawn-out transfer saga.
Liverpool Want Konate’s Future Settled by August
According to Football Insider, Liverpool’s management has set an August deadline to finalize Konate’s future. They do not want to risk reaching January without a decision, as he would then be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside England.
Konate remains an essential part of new head coach Arne Slot’s plans, and Liverpool aim to speed up contract talks in the coming weeks. If an agreement can’t be reached by the end of August, the club may entertain transfer offers during the final two weeks of the summer window.
Liverpool May Be Forced to Sell
Already having lost Alexander-Arnold and facing interest in Andy Robertson from Atletico Madrid, Liverpool are at risk of losing three of last season’s regular defenders. This raises the stakes around Konate’s situation even more.
Losing Konate would be a huge setback for the Premier League champions. While backup options like Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez are available, Slot may push for a top-tier centre-back if Konate departs.
Given the choice between selling him now for a decent fee or letting him leave for free next year—possibly to rivals Real Madrid—many fans and the club’s owners might prefer a summer sale.
Konate is currently earning £70,000 a week, which puts him in the mid-range of Liverpool’s wage structure despite being a key player. It’s understandable he might feel undervalued.
Ideally, both sides will reach a fair agreement soon to keep Konate at Anfield for the long term and avoid losing him for nothing or being forced into a late transfer
