According to reports from Fichajes, the 26-year-old centre-back — whose current deal with Liverpool expires next summer — has yet to agree on a contract extension with the Premier League champions. That situation has alerted several European heavyweights, with Barcelona now emerging as serious contenders to snap him up.
Konaté will be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside England when the transfer window reopens in January, and signing him on a free transfer would represent one of the best bargains of 2026. Widely regarded as one of the top defenders in the Premier League, Konaté has earned high praise from teammates and pundits alike — including Virgil van Dijk, who once described him as “outstanding.”
For Barcelona, the French international could be a perfect addition to a defensive unit that has struggled for consistency. With veterans like Ronald Araújo and Jules Koundé often rotated due to injuries and form, Konaté’s strength, aerial dominance, and pace would bring much-needed stability. The player’s experience at the highest level — having helped Liverpool win major domestic and European honours — makes him an appealing target for the Catalan club.
From Konaté’s perspective, the opportunity to join a club of Barcelona’s stature may be difficult to ignore. At 26, he is entering the prime of his career and could see a move to Spain as the next major step. A transfer to Camp Nou would also reunite him with several compatriots in La Liga and give him a new challenge after several successful years in England.
Liverpool, however, are unlikely to let him leave without a fight. The club views Konaté as a crucial part of its defensive core and hopes to persuade him to extend his stay at Anfield. Manager Arne Slot has made it clear that retaining key players like Konaté is vital to maintaining the club’s competitiveness across all fronts.
Still, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, and PSG all circling, Liverpool’s task will be far from easy. The coming months could prove decisive — and the battle for Konaté’s signature may turn into one of the most intriguing transfer stories of 2026.
