Report: Defender rejects Liverpool offer with his heart set on a move to Euro giants
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has reportedly rejected an offer from Liverpool, indicating his reluctance to extend his contract with the club, which expires at the end of the 2025-26 season. Konate, 26, is currently in the final year of his contract, and despite ongoing negotiations for renewal, no agreement has been reached so far. Discussions were close to completion last year but stalled in late 2024, and talks have remained inconclusive since then.
The French international's future is the subject of increasing speculation, with major European clubs, particularly Real Madrid, closely monitoring his situation. Real Madrid is keen to sign Konate, potentially on a free transfer next summer, joining other interested clubs such as PSG and Barcelona. Liverpool reportedly considered selling Konate in the summer 2025 transfer window to avoid losing him for free, but no deal materialized. The club plans to resume contract talks soon, while also planning for possible replacements, as evidenced by interest in Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi.
Konate’s recent form has been mixed, and he faces competition for his place in the team, especially with new signing Marc Guehi expected to arrive. Despite these pressures, Liverpool manager Arne Slot still values Konate highly. The club’s urgency to renew his contract or sell him before the January 2026 transfer window increases since failure to do so would allow Real Madrid to negotiate a pre-contract agreement for a summer move.
Real Madrid's interest is described as advanced, and they are reportedly preparing to make a move in January 2026, possibly paying around €50 million if a mid-season transfer occurs. Liverpool risk losing another key defender on a free transfer after recently losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid under similar circumstances. Konate’s departure without renewal would pose a significant challenge to Liverpool’s defensive depth.
PP