Richard Hughes told time is running OUT for key contract deal

Liverpool are facing a contract problem over Ibrahima Konate.

The Premier League title-winning defender is out of contract in 2026. There is no sign of a new deal on the horizon - and unless there’s a quick turnaround in talks then he will be entitled to speak to potentially interested overseas clubs in just a matter of weeks.

Come January, the 26-year-old can enter talks with Real Madrid over a free transfer next summer. Los Blancos reportedly see Konate as the leader of their defence for next season and are biding their time until his contract ticks down.

Liverpool for their part will do all they can to avoid losing Konate on a Bosman.

Real Madrid want deal for Konate

The France international cost £35m when joining from RB Leipzig in 2021 - going on to establish himself as one of the best centre-backs around last season.

It was reported previously that Konate was looking for around £200k per week to renew his contract - a steep rise from his current £140k per week pay packet.

But right now the deal is in jeopardy - and there is no guarantee that the defender would sign any contract put in front of him by his current employers.

Konate talks are deadlocked

“Negotiations over a new contract for the French centre-back are still “deadlocked” with time now running out for Arne Slot’s side,” a report in Football Insider reads.

“Real Madrid remain interested in the defender with him being available on a free transfer from 1 July next year.

“Liverpool are extremely reluctant to lose Konate and will do all they can to keep him.”

Hughes' record in contract talks

Richard Hughes faced down the threat of losing Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold on free transfers last season.

And he successfully avoided that outcome in all three cases. Salah and Van Dijk renewed their deals until 2027 - costing Liverpool £400k per week apiece.

And Trent did not leave on a free transfer either - with the 27-year-old right-back joining Real Madrid for a fee of around £10m one month out from the expiry of his contract.

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