Liverpool centre-back contract agreement is now under threat

Liverpool are facing contract uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate.

The Frenchman is out of contract in 2026 - and if no agreement is reached then he could be leaving for free.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

Signed for £35m back in 2021, Konate established himself alongside Virgil van Dijk last season as one of the top defenders around.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas away range

But talks between sporting director Richard Hughes and Konate’s advisors have reached an impasse - giving clubs such as Real Madrid and Barcelona encouragement to make an offer.

Liverpool's plans for Guehi get complicated

Konate’s contract conundrum was surely in Liverpool’s thoughts when they made a play for Marc Guehi during the summer transfer window.

Long touted as a Reds’ target, the 25-year-old was subject of a £35m plus £10m in add-ons offer from Anfield.

Having initially agreed to sell their captain, Crystal Palace backed out of the deal at the 11th hour of deadline day - leaving Liverpool without the centre-back they required.

It’s been speculated that the Anfield club will make a new bid in January in an attempt to convince Palace to cash in.

However what is more likely is that the England international makes a free transfer next summer - hopefully to Liverpool where he can replace the potentially departing Konate.

Only things don’t appear so simple.

Guehi inundated with offers

That’s because the collapse of Liverpool’s Guehi deal has offered encouragement for several top English and European teams.

Therefore the Reds aren’t going to have it all their own way in 2026 - with TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey warning that it will be a “blank slate” for interested parties.

“Liverpool will be back for him, of course,” Bailey said.

“But they know they’ll be one of many clubs making an offer. Now, with Guehi, it resets everything. Everyone starts at a blank slate.

“Guehi’s people are aware of the clubs who have already told them they’ll be making an offer next summer – clubs like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid.

“In England, let’s see where Tottenham finish – they love him as a player. Would Chelsea come into the equation on a free transfer? Of course, they would. Man United? If they finish in the top four, of course they do.”

Liverpool the most attractive option?

Guehi will essentially have his pick of clubs next summer - although Liverpool should remain the most attractive option.

He will be guaranteed the possibility of partnering Van Dijk for a season before taking over from the Dutch legend in 2027 when his contract expires.

The Reds will have to be on their guard to match contract offers from elsewhere though - with Madrid in particular capable of launching stunning raids for free transfers.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range 🔴

Rio Ngumoha forces Liverpool to ABANDON €100m transfer

Liverpool get transfer green light after manager agrees to sign midfielder

Trent Alexander-Arnold makes PRIVATE Real Madrid confession