Ibrahima Konate contract BOMBSHELL: Five-year deal agreed

Liverpool’s centre-back situation is looking pretty uncertain. There were changes in the department over the summer transfer window - with Jarell Quansah leaving the club in a deal worth over £30m with Bayer Leverkusen.

And Giovanni Leoni, 18, was recruited from Parma for around £26m. The Reds’ recruiters clearly have high hopes for the young Italian as he has only got 17 matches at the top level under his belt.

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Then you have Joe Gomez. Very much a back-up these days, the club heard bids from AC Milan and Crystal Palace over the summer for the 28-year-old even though the England man eventually stayed put.

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And with Virgil van Dijk now 34 - and out of contract in 2027 - the situation is very much in flux. It’s against this backdrop that the contract situation around Ibrahima Konate becomes so crucial.

Real Madrid lying in wait for Konate

The 26-year-old has been at the club since 2021 - and has established himself as Van Dijk’s preferred partner in the heart of defence.

Konate was a star of the 2024/25 Premier League title-winning campaign but there is a genuine fear that his time at the club is running out.

His contract only runs until 2026 and up to now Richard Hughes has been unable to come to an agreement over a new deal. Real Madrid of course lie in wait - determined to add the France international as their next high-profile free transfer.

Now comes a report that the Reds have been BEATEN to a contract agreement for Konate by their Spanish counterparts.

Madrid agree five-year Konate deal

Although no talks over a free transfer can take place until January, it’s been claimed by Fichajes that the outline of a five-year contract between Los Blancos and Konate has been written up.

“Barring a major twist, Real Madrid will become Ibrahima Konaté's next destination, as an agreement in principle has been reached,” the report reads.

“The agreement between Ibrahima Konaté and Real Madrid includes a long-term contract, with an end date of June 2031.” Real

Marc Guehi can replace Konate

Madrid are plotting a defensive overhaul in 2026 - with Konate earmarked as the leader of the revolution. We will see David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger LEAVE at the end of their contracts - clearing the decks for Konate’s arrival.

Where this development leaves Liverpool remains to be seen. One option would be to add Marc Guehi as a free transfer from Crystal Palace.

The 25-year-old came extremely close to joining the Anfield club right at the end of the summer transfer window. But with his contract also expiring in 2026 - Richard Hughes may position Liverpool as favourites to pick up the England man on a free transfer.

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