Real Madrid’s Konate plans in chaos as Liverpool take decision over contract rebel
It will soon be time to decide Ibrahima Konate’s fate amid uncertainty over the Liverpool defender’s future.
Konate, 26, signed for the Reds back in 2021 from RB Leipzig for around £35m. It took him quite some time to establish himself at Anfield - but last season formed part of the Premier League title-winning centre-back partnership alongside Virgil van Dijk.
🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range
Shop the LFC Store
🚨2025/26 LFC x adidas range🚨
Sporting director Richard Hughes has long been hopeful of tying the France international down to a new contract with his current terms expiring in 2026.
🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas away range
With less than a year on his deal, any number of options are currently in play for Konate.
Konate out of contract in 2026
The ideal circumstance is that he comes to an agreement over a renewal - although there have been no signs as yet that the Reds are prepared to meet his demands.
Konate wants £200k per week to renew - according to reports - which is a big raise from his current reported salary of £140k p/w. And Liverpool will only have one more chance to earn money back on Konate if he doesn’t give any indication that he will renew.
That opportunity will come in January - by which time Konate will be entitled to speak to potentially-interested overseas clubs about a free transfer in summer.
Real Madrid lead the chase for Konate - hoping to capitalise on his expiring contract like they did with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Liverpool assume Konate won't renew
But a report in Defensa Central now claims that Liverpool will SCUPPER Madrid’s plans to land Konate on a free.
That’s because the title holders are planning to entertain bids for their starting centre-back once the window opens.
“Liverpool are considering selling him in the winter transfer window with the aim of getting some money for him,” the report reads.
“The Reds are starting to assume he won't renew and may be open to parting ways with him mid-season.
This would upset Real Madrid's plans, which want to pursue him, but not until next summer."
Liverpool's Konate alternatives named
It may be that hopes are fading about securing Konate to a new contract. But if the club can earn around £20m to £30m for him in January - provided a replacement is sourced - then things might well work out well.
We could see Liverpool come back in for Marc Guehi - who they tried to sign on deadline day - and there is also movement for the Brighton player of the year Jan Paul van Hecke.
🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range 🔴
Rio Ngumoha forces Liverpool to ABANDON €100m transfer
Liverpool get transfer green light after manager agrees to sign midfielder
Related News
Liverpool centre-back contract agreement is now under threat
Comments
I think Konate should be kept at a field and Guehi should be added to the squad. YNWA.
I think Konate needs to talk to Trent about going to Madrid. Trent will tell him that the grass is no greener at Madrid and to stay put. YNWA.
You must be logged in to post a comment.