‘It is a worry…’ – Liverpool at risk of ‘huge blow’ as ‘interest is real’ in £36m powerhouse
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Ibrahima Konaté's future at Liverpool remains uncertain amid strong interest from Real Madrid. The 26-year-old centre-back, who joined Liverpool in 2021, is entering the final year of his contract set to expire in June 2026 and has yet to agree to an extension, sparking transfer speculation.
Reports indicate that Real Madrid are keen on signing Konaté, with AS claiming the defender has already given his approval to join the Spanish giants, either this summer or next season. Liverpool’s urgency to resolve his future has increased, especially after signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, which suggests the club is preparing for the possibility of Konaté’s departure.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot still rates Konaté highly and includes him regularly in the starting XI alongside Virgil van Dijk. However, contract talks have not led to an extension yet. Football Insider reports that Liverpool plan to resume negotiations after the summer transfer window closed, hoping to secure an agreement before the January transfer window. Failing that, Liverpool may seek to sell him in January to avoid losing him for free.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid appears prepared to keep a first-team squad spot open for Konaté and considers signing him as a free agent in 2026 should a summer deal not materialize. Tottenham are also reportedly monitoring the situation, potentially ready to compete for the defender.
Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona have also been mentioned as interested parties, with Konaté offered to several top European clubs according to Foot Mercato.
In summary, the situation remains fluid: Liverpool want to retain Konaté but are ready to sell if no new contract is agreed; Real Madrid are the frontrunners to sign him, either now or upon his contract expiry; and other top clubs are watching closely.
PP