Liverpool told Ibrahima Konate is closer than ever to Real Madrid agreement

Liverpool have been facing considerable contract uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate. The centre-back signed from RB Leipzig back in 2021 and his current terms expire in 2026.

The Reds would like to tie the 26-year-old to a new deal but discussions have remained at an impasse.

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Real Madrid are seeking to sign the Frenchman on a free transfer in 2026 - and there has even been talk about a deal being agreed between the two clubs in January.

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That would allow Liverpool to bank some money on Konate - who cost £35m - and they could then plough those proceeds into a move for Marc Guehi.

Konate "closer than ever" to Madrid

The Spanish capital club are plotting a defensive overhaul in 2026 with big earners like David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger now destined to leave.

Konate is the primary defensive target for next summer although Madrid would face some competition from Barcelona according to a report in Defensa Central. However, the interest from Catalonia has only served to sharpen Konate’s mind - or so it’s claimed.

His preference is the Bernabeu and “the French center back is closer than ever to Real Madrid,” the report reads.

Konate jokes about Madrid interest

There are numerous options available for Liverpool over Konate. The first of course is convince him to sign a new deal. This may well be difficult if his mind is fixed on Madrid.

Failing that, they could try to sell him in January.

Given his age and experience, this would surely bring in some decent income. Finally, they could face losing him on a free transfer next summer - and that blow could well be cushioned by the arrival of Guehi on the same terms.

Right now it’s all up in the air.

Given Konate’s comments on international duty last week - making light of Madrid’s interest - we can only assume he is far more relaxed about the situation than the club is.

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