Several Spanish media outlets have reportedly claimed that Ibrahima Konate has made up his mind about leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid, and there is nothing that the Premier League champions can do to make the 26-year-old centre-back reconsider. Frenchman Konate, whose current Liverpool contract runs out next summer, will join the La Liga giants as a free agent—just like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, and David Alaba in recent years. Konate's former teammate Trent, long linked to Real Madrid, walked away as a free agent ahead of the Club World Cup, denying the Reds any profit from the sale, apart from the £10 million they got for an early release.
Konate has reportedly rejected several renewal offers by Liverpool, who still consider him central to their defensive lines in the imminent post-Virgil van Dijk era. However, Konate is hell-bent on a Real Madrid move and already has an agreement in place, Spanish media reports have said. If these portals are to be trusted, Konate has been offered a deal that will potentially keep him at Santiago Bernabéu until 2031.
However, noted football transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano said that Real Madrid respect Liverpool and will not risk their ire by jumping the gun. The Los Blancos will give the Reds time to try and convince the defender to sign a new contract so that even if he decides to walk away, a transfer fee can be generated from the sale.
ALSO READ:
- Why is FIFA chief Gianni Infantino facing flak after giving Donald Trump 'inaugural' Peace Prize?
- Will Manchester United get Federico Valverde from Real Madrid? Midfielder’s latest remarks make the transfer situation clear
- What time is the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw? Things you need to know about the pots
- Will Real Madrid re-sign Sergio Ramos in January? Understanding why defender’s return could happen THIS TIME
“Real Madrid have a genuine interest in the situation of Ibrahima Konate, but they do not want to upset Liverpool. Liverpool will have the chance, for sure, until the end of the season—to try and extend the contract of Ibrahima Konate,” TeamTalk quoted Fabrizio Romano as saying on his YouTube channel. “Real Madrid internally are continuing to think of Konate. They will keep his name high on their list for 2026. Even this summer, Liverpool wanted to discuss with Konate—but still no agreement. But for now, the ball is still in Liverpool’s court,” he was further quoted as saying.
Earlier it was reported that Liverpool asked Real for £50 million for Konate. Xabi Alonso's team made a counter-offer to pay half—a decent sum somewhere between £20 and £25 million, AS said. Konate was signed from RB Leipzig in 2021 for £36 million. Alonso wants Konate for his ability on the ball, capacity to quickly cover large areas, and high-pressing skills. He swiftly closes down opponents and aims to win the ball high up the pitch, thereby disrupting opposition build-up. Liverpool are trying to sign Crystal Palace's Marc Guéhi as a potential replacement for the Frenchman.