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Liverpool have reportedly told Real Madrid they must pay an ‘impossible’ fee if they want to sign Ibrahima Konate this summer, shutting down early transfer interest from the Spanish giants.

According to a report by Defensa Central, Real Madrid made an enquiry for Konate as they assess long-term defensive targets.

However, Liverpool’s response was clear, they have no intention of letting the 26-year-old leave and slapped a huge asking price on his head.

The club reportedly quoted the fee as €70 million.

This figure discourages negotiations and underlines how much Liverpool values the French international.

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Konate, who joined from RB Leipzig in 2021, has consistently impressed with his strength, aerial presence and composure on the ball.

He addressed ongoing contract rumours during Liverpool’s Premier League trophy celebrations (via Liverpool Echo), dismissing social media speculation as “completely fake.” He clarified:

“I didn’t even ask for anything from the club.

They made me an offer, and I replied to them with something that is it.”

The 26-year-old expressed frustration over premature reports in November claiming he was close to signing, stating: “because it was not true at that moment and that is why I was a little bit mad.”

While Konate emphasized his happiness at Anfield (“I am very happy here to be fair, you know”), he acknowledged stalled progress in negotiations: “My agent met the club last week… we will see what happens.”

His comments follow recent contract extensions for teammates Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, whom he called legends critical to Liverpool’s success.

Real Madrid’s frustration is now out in the open.

According to same reports, the Real Madrid has explicitly informed incoming manager Xabi Alonso that a move for Konate is “impossible” due to Liverpool’s staggering €70 million demand for a defender with just one year left on his contract.

Holding steadfast at €70 million, which is more than Konate’s market value, indicates that they see him as essential, even if they may lose him for nothing in 2026.

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