Liverpool urged to strike swap transfer deal with Premier League rival that 'works for both'

Liverpool Transfer News: Ibrahima Konaté's Uncertain Future at Anfield

Ibrahima Konaté is expected to leave Liverpool on a free transfer at the end of the 2025-26 season as contract negotiations stall, with no breakthrough despite multiple offers from the club.[1][3][4]

The 26-year-old French defender, currently earning around £150,000 per week, has rejected three contract proposals. Key disputes center on wages—Konaté seeks £200,000 weekly—and the club's structure, which emphasizes performance incentives over guaranteed pay. His inconsistent form this season, marked by early blunders and fan criticism, has weakened his position, though recent improvements offer some hope.[1]

Reliable journalist David Ornstein reports Liverpool are "keeping their powder dry" for the summer market, anticipating Konaté's exit alongside expiring deals for Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez in 2027. This leaves the defensive core as a priority rebuild area.[1][5]

Fans draw parallels to last season's resolved sagas with Mohamed Salah and Van Dijk, who signed extensions in April 2025 despite late drama. However, Konaté's situation echoes Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid after stalled talks.[1]

Amid defensive uncertainty—exacerbated by Giovanni Leoni's season-ending knee injury—Liverpool eyes replacements. Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck emerges as a prime €50m target in his contract's final year. Strong links position the Reds favorably after Real Madrid reportedly cooled interest, denying pursuit despite Dortmund's reluctance to sell to Bayern Munich. Experts hail Schlotterbeck as Van Dijk's ideal successor for his solidity and stylistic fit.[2]

With 169 days until potential free agency, Liverpool must act decisively to avoid losing Konaté without fee, reshaping their backline.[3]

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