Ibrahima Konate one step CLOSER to contract green light

Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate is out of contract at the end of the season. The Frenchman signed for the Reds back in 2021 - on a £35m deal from RB Leipzig.

But sporting director Richard Hughes has not had success in convincing the defender to sign a new deal. If no new agreement is reached then the France international will be LEAVING in summer 2026.

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Konate, 26, will be entitled to speak to potentially interested overseas clubs in January - meaning Liverpool are running out of time to secure his signature.

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The Premier League champions are reported to have been knocked back in their renewal attempts on several occasions by Konate’s entourage.

Real Madrid step up Konate interest

Right now it’s unclear that even if they met his previously reported demands - £200k per week - that Konate would extend.

Real Madrid are lurking in the background - with Defensa Central now claiming that the 15-time European champions are ready to strike a deal in January for Konate.

The Spanish capital club remain convinced that Konate’s priority is to move to the Bernabeu for the 2026/27 season as part of a Xabi Alonso-led defensive overhaul.

Madrid media believes the weekend derby defeat to Atletico Madrid has strengthened Los Blancos’ resolve to sign up Konate.

Konate has decided Madrid move

A 5-2 loss at the Metropolitano featured a defensive disaster for new signing Dean Huijsen - who was monstered throughout by Alexander Sorloth.

The Spaniard has been labelled “soft” and the overall defensive performance has been described as a clarion call for signing Konate instead.

“Konaté, a true defensive wall with a great header, is a player that the derby has ended up bringing Madrid even closer to,” a report reads.

“Liverpool still intends to renew his contract, but they know he's already decided to join Real Madrid.

Liverpool think Konate's talking to Madrid

“Furthermore, they suspect he's already had talks with Real Madrid through intermediaries.

“This could be the reason why he has such a firm intention, which has led him to reject major financial and sporting offers from the English club.

“In January, Konaté could negotiate directly with Real Madrid and even sign a contract.”

Liverpool will be set against losing Konate for free considering his rise to becoming one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

This season has seen Konate put in some pretty indifferent performances - including the weekend loss to Crystal Palace - and club bosses will be expecting him to sort his form out soon.

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