'Can confirm': Fabrizio Romano says it now 'looks difficult' for Liverpool to keep starter from leaving
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The contract of Ibrahima Konate is an issue Liverpool need to resolve before the next summer transfer window.
Konate has been an integral part of the Reds’ backline since signing in 2021 from RB Leipzig for £36 million, becoming a part of a successful defensive duo with Virgil van Dijk.
However, with his success has come interest from other clubs, particularly Real Madrid, who are keen on signing the defender next summer when his contract with the club expires.
There are rumours that the £40 million star has not made up his mind about joining Madrid, but they are ‘confident’ that they will be able to take him on a free transfer next year.
This season, he has had a mixed set of performances for Liverpool in his first two Premier League games, where he seemed off the mark as he made a few mistakes, which cost the team.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
However, his performances have vastly improved, and the Frenchman has now found his usual form following the international break.
Los Blancos have not only explored the option of trying to get the signature of Konate but also his fellow countryman and league rival, William Saliba, from Arsenal.
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Saliba, much like ‘Ibou’, has been a successful addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad, and his contract is due to expire in 2027.
Fabrizio Romano, on the Here We Go podcast, has shared that while the contract situation of Arsenal’s starter looks more likely to be sorted, Konate and Liverpool are not at the same point.
He said: “Ibrahima Konate, in this case, compared to Saliba, for example.
For Konate and Liverpool, at the moment looks difficult.
This is why Real Madrid are also monitoring the situation of Konate.
There could be an opportunity on a free transfer because Saliba is not out of contract in 2026 but in 2027.
Konate is out of contract in 2026.
I can confirm that, then again, it’s still early to make decisions.”
The worry for fans hearing this update is that there could be a repeat of the situation with Trent Alexander-Arnold, which would mean Liverpool could lose out on agreeing a fee with the Spanish club.
It was an incredibly messy situation, which drew strong feelings from fans because of the Scousers’ ties to the city, but for Konate, it could still be a situation with some ill feeling if he is to leave for nothing.
He is worth a fair sum of money in the current market, and if Liverpool are looking to sign replacements because of their difficulties currently with centre-backs, then the money is needed.
If he does want to leave and expresses that to the club early enough for them to work out a cost for the defender, then that could sweeten his exit with supporters.
However, delaying and waiting so that he forces himself to leave on a free could mean his relationship with the fans will break down quite easily.