Kylian Mbappe call to DECIDE Ibrahima Konate's future

Liverpool fans could be forgiven for fretting over the future of Ibrahima Konate.

The Premier League title-winning centre-back is out of contract in summer 2026 - meaning the club risk losing him on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Having joined the club from RB Leipzig in a £35m deal back in 2021, sporting director Richard Hughes will be desperate to prevent the 26-year-old from leaving on a Bosman.

We are led to believe that a new contract offer is in the works - although it remains to be seen where Konate’s future lies.

Real Madrid keen on Konate

The France international is of course a target for Real Madrid - with the 15-time European champions developing a habit of signing high-profile out-of-contract players over the last decade or so.

Konate will be entitled to speak to potentially interested overseas clubs come January. Liverpool will be hoping that it doesn’t get to that stage - and that Konate puts his poor form to one side and signs a new contract extension.

One danger for the Anfield club comes in the shape of France captain Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe recommends 'best in the world' Konate

Not only does the Real Madrid striker have Konate’s attention on international duty - but he has also been asked his expert opinion by Madrid president Florentino Perez about Konate.

The Liverpool man - along with Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano are BOTH of interest to Los Blancos and Perez has been in touch with their international skipper for his opinion.

That’s according to a new report in Defensa Central - which claims Mbappe has recommended Madrid to sign them.

Konate with big decision to make

“Florentino Pérez has recently consulted with Kylian Mbappé, who knows both players well, having played alongside them on the national team, and has given them positive feedback,” the report reads.

“Mbappé has spoken very highly of Konaté and Upamecano at Real Madrid, even admitting that they are two of the players who are currently "the best in the world in their positions”."

Konate is reported to be making around £140k per week at Anfield and could earn a lot more than that at the Bernabeu. His current demands are said to be for £200k per week - which would elevate him into Liverpool’s second tier of earners.

Whether he accepts any deal right now is another matter - and we may not get an answer before Madrid are entitled to knock on his door.

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