Inter Milan clear the decks to sign Liverpool star

Liverpool are facing a contract crisis over Ibrahima Konate.

The French defender, 26, is out of contract in summer 2026 and if no new deal is agreed then he will be leaving for free at the end of the season.

It’s been claimed that the stopper’s preference would be a move to Real Madrid - but right now it doesn’t appear that Los Blancos are at the table.

Konate named as Inter target

That could bring other European suitors into play - with Konate entitled to speak to potentially interested overseas clubs as soon as January.

One team emerging as a potential rival for Konate’s signature are Inter Milan. The Champions League finalists are facing a defensive rebuild of their own - with players like Stefan de Vrij and Francesco Acerbi out of contract in summer 2026.

Inter will allow those contracts to elapse according to Il Quotidiano Sportivo and move instead for defensive targets which could include Konate.

Inter clearout could bring Konate closer

"Defense is one of the areas on the table for Inter's management. Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij, whose contracts expire in June, will leave Inter,” the report reads.

"Also out of contract is Liverpool's enticing Frenchman Ibrahima Konaté,” the report continues.

“As an added bonus, he's also a regular starter under Didier Deschamps. Bayern Munich are also interested."

Liverpool see Bastoni as a key target

Liverpool only have a few days left to nail down an agreement with Konate - whose current contract is reported to be worth £140k per week.

Otherwise they risk other teams moving in to negotiate a Bosman deal - meaning Liverpool would be left chasing replacements to fill a hole in the centre of their defence.

One option could be to raid Inter for Alessandro Bastoni - the 26-year-old Italy international who is attracting interest from major clubs.

Bastoni, a left-sided centre-back, could provide a long-term solution to the problem presented by Virgil van Dijk’s potential exit in 2027 and could facilitate a switch to a back three owing to his versatility.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 A new centre-back is COMING to Liverpool

👉🏻 Liverpool finally replace Trent Alexander-Arnold with brilliant playmaker

👉🏻 Centre-back confirms he's ready to join Liverpool