EPL Banter
Report: Liverpool Give Konaté Ultimatum Amid Real Madrid Interest Following Contract Standoff
Ibrahima Konaté is just weeks away from entering the final year of his Liverpool contract, putting the club in a tough spot regarding the defender’s future.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey recently revealed that Konaté is demanding a substantial pay rise to renew his deal at Anfield. According to Bailey, negotiations have stalled for months with no significant progress.
This uncertainty has reportedly caught the attention of Real Madrid. Per José Félix Díaz of Marca (via Football Espana), the Spanish powerhouse has added Konaté to their shortlist of potential free agents for 2026.
Following the prolonged saga that saw Trent Alexander-Arnold move to Madrid earlier this year, Liverpool is eager to avoid another drawn-out exit involving a key squad member.
Liverpool Sets August Deadline for Konaté Contract Talks
As per Football Insider, the Liverpool hierarchy is pushing to resolve Konaté’s contract status before the summer transfer window closes, ideally by the end of August. If no agreement is reached, the club may look to sell him before January—when he could negotiate freely with overseas clubs.
Konaté is central to new manager Arne Slot’s plans, and the Reds are expected to make a strong push to secure his future. However, should negotiations continue to stall, the club may opt to cash in on the 26-year-old to avoid losing him for nothing next year.
Konaté Standoff Adds to Liverpool’s Defensive Concerns
With Alexander-Arnold already departed and Atletico Madrid reportedly targeting Andy Robertson, Liverpool faces the possibility of losing three of last season’s starting defenders. Letting Konaté go now would be a major setback, and while players like Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez are available, Slot would likely seek a top-level replacement.
Konaté, currently earning £70,000 per week—a modest sum given his starting role—may feel undervalued. Securing a new, improved deal could benefit both the player and club.
Ultimately, Liverpool hopes to tie Konaté down soon, preventing the risk of a summer sale or a free transfer next year, potentially to a rival like Real Madrid.
