Konate’s joke hides serious contract issue as Madrid watch closely
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Ibrahima Konaté, the 26-year-old Liverpool defender, is at the center of intense transfer speculation as his contract at Anfield expires at the end of the 2025–26 season. Real Madrid is reportedly very interested in signing Konaté, either during the summer 2026 transfer window or as a free agent once his contract expires[1][2]. Konaté has allegedly already agreed to join Real Madrid, with the Spanish club prepared to offer him a pre-contract in January 2026 if a summer deal does not materialize[2].
Currently, Konaté earns around £140,000 per week at Liverpool but desires a significant raise to approximately £200,000 per week, a demand Liverpool has been reluctant to meet. Liverpool is keen to avoid losing him on a free transfer and has issued an ultimatum: either sign a new contract or be sold before the summer 2026 window closes[1][3]. If Konaté refuses to renew, Liverpool would prefer to sell him for a transfer fee rather than lose him for nothing. However, Real Madrid is reportedly unwilling to pay more than €25 million (about £21.6 million) for him this summer, whereas Liverpool values him at around €40.5 million (£35 million)[1][2].
Liverpool’s Sporting Director Richard Hughes hopes to secure a contract renewal, but as of now, no agreement has been reached due to wage demands[3]. Other top European clubs, notably Paris Saint-Germain, have shown interest, threatening Liverpool’s chance to retain Konaté[4]. This uncertainty is causing strategic decisions at Liverpool, as losing Konaté—a key part of their Premier League-winning defense—would be a major blow[5]. The club is simultaneously considering reinforcements such as Giovanni Leoni and Marc Guéhi to maintain defensive depth if Konaté departs[4].
In summary, the fate of Konaté remains undecided with Liverpool eager to reach a deal before potentially allowing a high-profile exit to Real Madrid on a free or for a fee significantly below their valuation. The situation is dynamic and could dominate transfer headlines in the upcoming months.
PP