The Liverpool manager may soon face another major defensive setback, with reports..Continue Reading
suggesting Ibrahima Konaté is eyeing a move to Real Madrid next summer.
The club is still recovering from the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who opted not to renew his contract and instead joined Madrid.
Although he was expected to leave on a free transfer, the Spanish giants paid £10 million to bring him in ahead of the Club World Cup.
Now, a similar scenario appears to be unfolding with Konaté. According to Foot Mercato, the French centre-back is open to leaving Anfield after contract talks stalled.
He is reportedly eager for a fresh challenge and views a switch to Madrid as his preferred next step.
His representatives have already reached out to Real Madrid, as well as PSG and other top clubs, to explore potential interest. Despite Liverpool’s efforts to extend his stay, negotiations have hit a standstill.
Sources suggest the situation is gradually slipping out of Liverpool’s control, with Konaté increasingly leaning toward an exit in 2026. Real Madrid are currently seen as the frontrunners for his signature.
Recent reports also indicate that Konaté was left dissatisfied with Liverpool’s latest contract offer, which focused heavily on performance-based incentives rather than a guaranteed salary—prompting his camp to push for improved terms.
Konate opened up on his future last month, saying: “You know, I just want to say one thing. Everything you saw on social media is completely fake. I didn’t even ask for something from the club.
“They made me an offer, and I replied to them with something, that is it. The rest (speculation) that I want to wait until the end… I want this, all of it is completely fake. And even the big journalists said in November I am very close to signing the deal.
“I was like: ‘Ah, they have more information than me?’. It was not true at that moment and that is why I was a little bit mad because it was not true at this moment.
“I knew at one moment people would think I didn’t want to sign the contract but I was never close to signing it. We will see what will happen.”
