Fabrizio Romano confirms "complicated" Ibrahima Konate contract update

William Saliba has agreed a new contract at Arsenal - extending his stay at the Emirates Stadium until 2030.

How is this relevant to Liverpool?

Well don’t forget that Saliba was on Real Madrid’s list as a potential cut-price recruit with his previous deal expiring in 2027.

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The other centre-back on Madrid’s shortlist is of course Ibrahima Konate.

And if Saliba is now off limits for the 15-time European champions, then it may well strengthen their resolve to go for Konate instead.

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Contract talks between Liverpool and the 26-year-old’s entourage remain at a standstill. And Fabrizio Romano states that the situation is increasingly “complicated”.

Konate renewal is "complicated"

With Konate reported to have turned down several offers already from sporting director Richard Hughes, Liverpool could end up seeing one of their prized assets leave for nothing next summer.

Madrid are still right there for Liverpool’s France international defender, according to the Italian transfer expert.

"Don’t forget also the name of Ibrahim Konaté because Konaté situation compared to William Saliba has always been different,” Romano told his YouTube audience.

Romano: New contract NOT close

“For Saliba, active conversations to extend, for Konaté the situation has always been complicated since November.

“The new contract for Konaté and Liverpool was quite close in October–November 2024, then there were some changes in the conversation and now the conversation is still difficult. So Liverpool are still trying to extend the contract of Ibrahim Konaté.

“I can tell also in August they made some new attempts but at the moment it looks difficult, it looks complicated, it’s still not close, the new contract for Ibrahim Konaté.

“And so Konaté is one of the names we have to keep on Real Madrid shortlist because Real Madrid love a free transfer, because Konaté is a player they appreciate, because Real Madrid are in very good relationship with the agents of Ibrahim Konaté.”

Konate "a possibility" for Real Madrid

Konate has been at Liverpool since 2021 - joining from RB Leipzig for around £35m. He established himself as one of the best centre-backs around alongside Virgil van Dijk last season - helping Arne Slot’s side to the Premier League title.

But there are genuine fears that this season could be his last at Anfield - with Konate free to speak to potentially interested overseas clubs from January.

“So for sure Konaté is still a possibility for Real Madrid,” Romano says.

“Then until January nothing will happen because Real Madrid will not ever do anything illegal, negotiating or agreeing with the player before the terms from January.

“If he doesn’t extend the contract, Konaté is going to be free to talk with any club and so Real Madrid is a possibility.

“They are considering Konaté. I will still keep an eye on that name because he’s still on Real Madrid list and that’s going to be one to watch for the near future."

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