Konate deal in danger as jaw-dropping contract demands come to light

Liverpool have got a big contract problem to solve with Ibrahima Konate.

The centre-back - who signed for the Reds back in 2021 from RB Leipzig for £35m - is out of contract at the end of the season. The 26-year-old is due to depart on a free transfer in summer 2026 if no new terms are agreed.

Konate has been a key part of the Liverpool backline for a while now - emerging as Virgil van Dijk’s preferred partner during the victorious 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

It would be a devastating blow for the Anfield club if they lost one of their best players for nothing - with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and teams in Saudi Arabia all said to be interested.

Although Konate has been entitled to speak to interested overseas clubs since January about a high-profile Bosman deal there has been no sign of an agreement elsewhere.

Konate wants staggering signing-on fee

Liverpool therefore still retain a chance at renewing Konate but up to now they haven’t met his contract demands. He wants to be paid over £200k per week according to various reports with the club unwilling or unable to pay it.

And now a report in Spain has suggested what could be holding up his free transfer to Real Madrid.

According to Defensa Central Konate is looking for an astonishing €15m to €18m (£13m to £16m) as a signing-on bonus at the Bernabeu.

“Konaté wants a signing bonus of €15-18 million for leaving on a free transfer, a position that hasn't entirely convinced the club,” the report reads.

Can Liverpool get a renewal over the line?

Madrid are not convinced about paying it - and therefore it brings a renewal for Antonio Rudiger back into play.

Konate’s excessive contract demands could ensure he stays with Liverpool - as Madrid drop out of the race it creates more favourable conditions for a renewal.

If it comes down to simply money then Saudi Arabia will surely win the race for the France international and so Liverpool will need to convince Konate his interests are best served on Merseyside.

The only way to do that is to compete for major honours - but the club’s crown has slipped since winning the title last season.

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