Liverpool’s long-term project under Arne Slot hasn’t silenced the transfer noise around their backline, and new reports from Spain now place Ibrahima Konate at the center of speculation.
Lewis Steele of Mail Sport reveals that Real Madrid are increasingly confident about landing the Frenchman on a free next summer, with his current Anfield contract set to expire in 2026.
Spanish sources compare his situation to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s before his discounted move to the Bernabeu, with Madrid chiefs already weighing up a potential agreement once the January window allows them to make contact.
Talks over an extension with Liverpool have been ongoing since last November but remain unresolved. Despite that, Konate has never expressed a desire to leave, insisting after last season’s triumphs:
“To win a trophy was just amazing. And today, to win the Premier League, I know I have a lot of objectives with this club: to become a leader, to win everything. I am very happy here.”
Adding a twist, the 26-year-old recently joked on French TV that Kylian Mbappe is “calling me every two hours” about Madrid.
Liverpool, though, remain composed and continue to negotiate. Paul Joyce reports the club will not beg any player to stay, putting the responsibility on their hierarchy to convince Konate to commit his prime years to Anfield.
Losing him for nothing would be a significant blow, and the coming months could prove decisive in shaping his future.
