Ibrahima Konate OUTRAGED by dramatic contract U-turn

Liverpool are facing a contract conundrum over Ibrahima Konate.

The French central defender sees his current deal expire in summer 2026 and if no agreement is reached over a new deal then he will be leaving for free.

Konate, 26, has been reported to be asking for £200k for a renewal - and the club would no doubt love to extend his time on Merseyside.

Having joined the club back in 2021 - on a £35m deal from RB Leipzig - Konate has established himself as one of the best around.

Real Madrid ready to move on from Konate

He became a Premier League title winner for the Reds in 2024/25 alongside Virgil van Dijk - emphasising his importance to Arne Slot’s plans.

Given his experience and his stature, Real Madrid had been listed as the No1 contenders to sign Konate on a lucrative free transfer next summer.

However Liverpool have just been given an unexpected BOOST in their quest to keep Konate. That’s because E-Noticies in Spain is reporting that Madrid have bumped Konate down the list of potential summer defensive recruits.

Upamecano preferred to Konate

With David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger set to depart on free transfers in 2026, Xabi Alonso is plotting an overhaul at centre-back.

Alongside Konate, Los Blancos have put Marc Guehi and Dayot Upamecano on their shortlist. And according to the new report it appears that Upamecano - the Bayern Munich defender - is now wanted more than anyone else.

In turn this is reported to have UPSET Konate - who was fully sure that he would be the flagship Real Madrid recruit next summer.

Konate left upset by Madrid choice

“The defender was convinced that he would land at Real Madrid next summer as a key reinforcement for the Whites' defense,” a report reads.

“But all that has taken a drastic turn in a matter of hours, with news that places him in a very unexpected position.

“Ibrahima Konaté is still wanted, but he no longer leads the list of favorites. In recent hours, the one who has gained the most strength is Dayot Upamecano, the central defender of Bayern Munich.”

Liverpool get another chance with Konate

This represents a boost for Liverpool in their attempts to contract Konate for the seasons ahead. As long as they can hold off interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, Konate should be staying at Anfield long term.

“The defender is outraged because his free arrival at Real Madrid seemed a given and now he finds himself relegated by an unexpected turn.

“The fact that Upamecano has climbed positions makes him question the real interests of the white club and his decision not to renew with Liverpool.”

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