Ibrahima Konate plans have CHANGED dramatically

Liverpool have got a contract problem to solve over Ibrahima Konate.

The 26-year-old is out of contract next summer and so far there has been no agreement over a renewal.

If the Reds’ sporting director Richard Hughes cannot come to an arrangement with Konate’s entourage then he will be leaving for free in summer 2026.

Real Madrid are thought to be leading candidates for the Frenchman’s signature - should he decide to run down his current Liverpool contract.

Konate on the list for Real Madrid

Los Blancos are plotting a defensive overhaul - with David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger likely to leave the Bernabeu when their contracts expire next summer.

Madrid’s decision-makers had reportedly set their sights on Konate as the ideal leader of their new defensive shape - and were ready with a mammoth contract offer and signing-on fee.

Konate will be entitled to speak to potentially interested overseas clubs in January with Madrid previously tipped to be right at the front of the queue.

But things might not work out like that for the stopper.

Madrid want Upamecano

Reports are now indicating that a move to the Spanish capital is perhaps moving further from view for Konate - whose recent form has brought about question marks for Madrid recruiters.

That’s according to a new report in Fichajes - which suggests that the 15-time European champions want Dayot Upamecano instead.

Upamecano of course is Konate’s France international teammate and like Ibou he is locked in a contract standoff.

In Upamecano’s case the club involved is Bayern Munich - with the contract breakdown offering an opportunity to several interested parties to tie up a deal with the France international.

Konate errors playing on Madrid's mind

Liverpool have been considered candidates for Upamecano - although Marc Guehi appears to be the No1 pick for centre-back reinforcements.

"Ibrahima Konaté's name was resonating strongly at the Santiago Bernabéu,” a report reads.

“The French defender from Liverpool seemed to have a verbal agreement with Real Madrid for the upcoming season.

“But errors in key matches in the Premier League and the Champions League have led to a change of plans.

“Real Madrid is concerned about his lack of consistency, a crucial aspect for a central defender expected to lead the defense.

“Sources close to the club assure that there is no definitive rupture, but confidence has diminished. Konaté will need to turn things around if he wants to regain his position as a priority for the Madrid side.”

Konate must regain Liverpool form

Konate started the season poorly with the defender even reminding fans on social media what his capabilities are. But his form has regressed in recent matches against Crystal Palace and Galatasaray.

Liverpool will be hoping he can sort his form out in the short term so they can get back to winning ways. And if Madrid back off, it could give Richard Hughes all the leverage he needs to convince Konate to sign a new deal.

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