Report: FSG were ready to cash in on £52m Liverpool colossus but he said no to Saudi suitors

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has rejected a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League, choosing instead to remain in European football and compete at the highest level. Despite Liverpool accepting a €60 million offer from Saudi Arabia, Konate himself was not willing to move, which stopped the transfer from going ahead. The 26-year-old, who is in the final year of his contract at Anfield, appears committed to either negotiating a new contract with Liverpool or securing a free transfer to Real Madrid, who are reportedly interested and can officially approach him from January 2026.

Negotiations between Liverpool and Konate over a contract extension have reached an impasse, with the club's sporting director, Richard Hughes, still holding talks with the player’s representatives. Should Konate not extend his stay, Liverpool may consider selling him in the January transfer window, although this is seen as unlikely unless a direct replacement arrives simultaneously. Liverpool’s current defense features Virgil van Dijk, Konate, Joe Gomez, and Giovanni Leoni, and potential signing Marc Guehi could influence future defensive moves, possibly resulting in Gomez’s departure.

Liverpool has shown willingness to invest the proceeds from a Konate sale into strengthening other areas, specifically targeting defender Marc Guehi. The saga highlights the balancing act Liverpool faces between retaining key players and being open to sales amid contract uncertainties. While Konate has dismissed the Saudi offer, his final destination remains uncertain—it hinges on whether he renews with Liverpool or departs for a top European club like Real Madrid.