Liverpool transfer 'priority' becomes clear ahead of January window as contract ticks down

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.

Liverpool has reportedly put its interest in signing Nico Schlotterbeck on the back-burner, with a January swoop for the Borussia Dortmund center-back deemed unlikely. Meanwhile, Liverpool's hopes of keeping hold of Konate were boosted last week as it emerged that Real Madrid is not planning an attempt to sign the France international on a free transfer next summer.

Real Madrid does not intend to sign Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer (Image: 2025 Getty Images) It had been widely reported for several months that Madrid was considering swooping for Konate when his Liverpool contract expires in June 2026. However, The Athletic sprung a surprise last week as it claimed that Madrid has directly informed Liverpool that it has no interest in signing the France international.

The reason behind Madrid's decision to withdraw its apparent interest is not clear, but Konate's poor form must surely factor into things. Spanish outlet Defensa Central reported that Konate's poor form is indeed the reason behind Madrid turning its attention elsewhere.