Liverpool transfer news: Ibrahima Konate makes ultimate decision over his future
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Liverpool are facing a tense contract situation with Ibrahima Konaté, whose deal expires at the end of the 2025/26 season. Despite efforts by Liverpool to extend his contract, Konaté has not accepted new terms and is reportedly keen on joining Real Madrid, where former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold now plays.
The defender is demanding a significant wage increase—from his current €81,000 per week to over €230,000—which Liverpool are unwilling to meet. Real Madrid have shown strong interest and have reportedly already agreed terms with Konaté for a free transfer once his contract expires. Liverpool, worried about losing him for nothing, would rather sell him this summer for around €40.5 million, but Real Madrid are only prepared to offer up to €25 million now, banking on signing him for free next year.
This scenario mirrors the previous contract dramas Liverpool experienced last season with Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. While Salah and Van Dijk renewed, Alexander-Arnold chose to leave for Real Madrid, a fate many speculate Konaté might follow. Liverpool have received some encouraging contract negotiation news, but the player's desire to join Real Madrid remains strong.
Meanwhile, Arsenal also reportedly plan to make a "historic" offer, potentially complicating Liverpool's attempts to retain Konaté. However, Real Madrid remain the primary destination linked with the French defender, with the club viewing him as a future key defensive asset despite also considering other targets like William Saliba.
Liverpool are already planning for Konaté's possible departure by eyeing free transfer targets to replace him. Real Madrid's strategy of signing players on free transfers after contracts expire is well established, making Liverpool's situation challenging should they fail to secure a contract renewal or a lucrative summer sale.
PP