Report: Liverpool could be open to accepting prospective £35m January offer for Reds ‘monster’
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Recent reports strongly indicate that Ibrahima Konaté will leave Liverpool on a free transfer at the end of his contract in 2026, with Real Madrid emerging as the leading contender to sign him next summer.
According to Lewis Steele of Mail Sport, Real Madrid are confident they already have a verbal agreement with Konaté, akin to the situation with Trent Alexander-Arnold last season before his move to the Bernabéu. Senior Madrid officials have reportedly discussed the potential acquisition internally, with plans to formally approach Konaté beginning January 1, 2026. Despite this, Konaté has not publicly expressed a desire to leave Liverpool and has been engaged in contract talks with the club since last November, although no resolution has been reached. The player recently reiterated his commitment to Liverpool, emphasizing his ambitions to become a leader and win more trophies there[1].
Meanwhile, sources in Madrid claim Konaté is keen on joining them and that while a move was not feasible this summer, the France international might be leveraging Real Madrid’s interest to negotiate better terms with Liverpool. Reports suggest that Liverpool view his departure as almost certain after he rejected a third improved contract offer recently. On the pitch, Konaté’s performances this season have been inconsistent, possibly reflecting uncertainty over his future. Liverpool have lined up replacements like Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi and young prospect Giovanni Leoni to potentially fill the gap[2].
Independent reporting from The Times' Paul Joyce confirmed the contract talks remain stalled. Journalist Nicolo Schira added that Konaté has rejected a significant offer from a Saudi Pro League club, preferring the long-term deal proposed by Real Madrid, reportedly lasting until 2031. This reinforces the narrative that Konaté is set to depart Liverpool on a free transfer next summer, prioritizing a move to Spain's top club over other lucrative alternatives[3].
PP