Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation is still up in the air and Liverpool are desperate to keep hold of him.

The Reds have been hugely successful in the transfer market this summer and after spending close to £300m, their squad is almost complete.

However, one issue that continues to rumble in the background is that of Konate, with the Frenchman still yet to sign a new contract.

Negotiations continue as Liverpool are keen to have him around beyond 2026, but a breakthrough is still yet to be reached, and still looks a long way away.

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Real Madrid are still sniffing around and that appears to be his most likely destination, although their latest decision means that his options are more limited than they were before.

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The Reds, of course, were keen to stop a situation like this from happening again, with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure something that should not be happening at Liverpool Football Club.

History appears to be repeating itself, though, and despite Liverpool having three options for the Frenchman, they are now down to two.

They could either ensure he signs a new contract, let him leave on a free transfer or sell him this summer for a cut-price, although the latter is now off the table according to Defensa Central.

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They report that Madrid’s sporting directors have informed Xabi Alonso that no more signings will be made before the window slams shut, meaning there is no chance Konate moves in the next two weeks or so.

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And, with Madrid not renewing Antonio Rudiger or David Alaba’s contracts, with both expiring next summer, all the signs point to ‘Ibou’ departing as a free agent.

There is still plenty of time as players cannot negotiate with other clubs until they have six months left on their current deal, but with negotiations at a stalemate, it is not looking good.

All the indications are that Konate is willing to sign a new contract at Anfield if the terms are fair, something he clearly feels is not the case as things stand.

With that said, Liverpool need to try and find a breakthrough as he is one of the best defenders around on his day, and at just 26, he still has plenty of time left to grow.

As well as this, Madrid’s interest is very unlikely to waver, meaning they would likely still come in with an offer for the Frenchman, potentially giving the Reds a hefty reward for tying him down.

This does not look like a situation that will be resolved in the coming days or even weeks, but as long as Liverpool come to a resolution, whether that be positive or negative, by January, then they can understand what their next steps need to be.