The verdict is in: What is "most likely" to happen with Ibrahima Konate

Real Madrid are planning to sign Dean Huijsen in the upcoming summer transfer window. Los Blancos appear to have the edge on Premier League suitors like Liverpool and Chelsea, with the player’s €58 million release clause not thought to be an obstacle.

Madrid’s poor season has led them to conclude that renewal at centre-back is a must. Eder Militao is a long-term injury absence and Carlo Ancelotti’s side have had to get by with only Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio during this campaign.

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There are doubts over the long-term viability of both Rudiger and David Alaba - whose contracts expire in 2026. The club see Bournemouth defender Huijsen as a viable option this year - in a move that is sure to disappoint Liverpool.

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Arne Slot’s team had designs on signing Huijsen along with Cherries’ colleague Milos Kerkez but look set to miss out on the 20-year-old centre-back.

And not only are Madrid ready to frustrate Liverpool in the chase for Huijsen, they are causing trouble when it comes to Ibrahima Konate too.

Liverpool's Konate contract problem

Out of contract in 2026, Konate wants a bumper pay rise to renew at Anfield but so far those efforts have come to nothing.

The France international wants to become one of the Reds’ highest-paid players - in the tier of earners just below Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

But if no agreement is reached soon then Richard Hughes might have to consider offloading Konate this summer. That’s because his transfer value is only going to diminish as his contract ticks down.

And we know what that means.

Free transfer to Madrid 'most likely' for Konate

Madrid are reported to be prepared to wait for Konate in order to land him on a free transfer - in a repeat of the move which is likely to see them end up with Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer.

If Konate decides to stall on negotiations and run down his deal then Liverpool will be powerless to prevent it. And according to a report in Spain, this is the “most likely” option for Konate.

“Konaté is another player the board really likes and hasn't ruled out, although the most likely option, as in all these cases, is for him to wait a year and arrive on a free transfer in 2026,” Relevo states.

“A very complicated operation, given that Liverpool remains determined to renew his contract, and other clubs, such as PSG, are stalking him.”

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With Alaba and Rudiger due to depart next summer, that will free up space in Madrid’s budget for a landmark defensive arrival. Liverpool will be hoping it’s not Konate - but need to get clarity on his situation as soon as possible.