Liverpool have 98-day deadline before horrifying transfer reality comes to light
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James Pearce has provided an update on Ibrahima Konate's future at Liverpool amid ongoing uncertainty and interest from Real Madrid. The French defender, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021, has quickly become a key centre-back alongside Virgil van Dijk, especially with Giovanni Leoni injured. However, Konate's current contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season, and with only 98 days left before he can sign a pre-contract agreement with another club, Liverpool face pressure to secure his future.
According to Pearce's report on X (formerly Twitter), while Liverpool remain confident that Konate will stay beyond 2026, the player himself has not yet made a decision. Reports suggesting he has already committed to Real Madrid have been dismissed by sources close to Konate. Liverpool still hope to persuade him to extend his contract despite the Spanish club's keen interest. Real Madrid has already acquired Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer earlier this year and could attempt a similar move for Konate next summer if no new deal is agreed.
Pearce emphasizes Konate's recent outstanding form after a challenging start to the season, highlighting his importance to Liverpool’s defence amid injury concerns. The situation remains fluid, with contract negotiations yet to be finalized and the countdown to a potential pre-contract agreement ticking down.
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