Liverpool are set to intensify contract negotiations with Ibrahima Konate as they aim to secure the French defender’s future at Anfield.
The 26-year-old, a cornerstone of the Reds’ Premier League-winning campaign last season, has less than a year left on his current deal, raising fears of a repeat of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to the Spanish giants.
Konate, who formed a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk, played a pivotal role in Liverpool conceding just 41 goals in 38 league matches during their title-winning 2024/25 season. His commanding presence has made him a fan favourite, but with his contract nearing its end, speculation over a move to Real Madrid has intensified.
Fabrizio Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, confirmed Liverpool’s determination to keep Konate, stating, “They are still not opening the doors for this summer for Ibrahima Konate to go to Real Madrid. They still hope to try and reach an agreement with Konate in the next months.”
Romano noted that while Real Madrid “really like the player” and have discussed him internally, no bid has been made as Liverpool remain firm on retaining their star defender.
However, reports from Spain, including from Diario AS, suggest Konate has given Real Madrid the “green light” for a potential move in 2026, unwilling to sign a new deal with Liverpool.
Despite this, journalist David Lynch, a Liverpool FC specialist, offered a more optimistic view, saying, “Speaking to people close to Konate, I still get the feeling that his priority is to renew with Liverpool and there are talks there, but it is kind of stuck at the moment.”
Lynch added, “The player is not desperate to get out of Liverpool or desperate to go to Real Madrid, it’s not that kind of situation just yet.”
Konate, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig for 36 million pounds in 2021, currently earns around 70,000 pounds a week. Sources indicate he is seeking a significant pay rise, potentially up to 200,000 pounds a week, reflecting his status as one of the Premier League’s top centre-backs.
Real Madrid’s interest is driven by new manager Xabi Alonso, who is keen to bolster his defence following a 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final. MARCA reported that Konate is seen as an ideal partner for their young defender Dean Huijsen, but Liverpool are holding firm, demanding around 50 million euros for any transfer this summer, while Real Madrid are only willing to offer 20-25 million euros.
Liverpool’s resolve to keep Konate is clear, with L’Equipe reporting that sporting director Richard Hughes is actively working to meet the player’s demands. The Reds are also exploring defensive reinforcements, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Ajax’s Jorrel Hato linked as potential options should negotiations falter.
For now, Liverpool fans can take heart from Konate’s own words after last season’s title triumph, when he said on Instagram, “What a season! Thank you to all the fans for the love and support this year. It’s been a great season for me and for the club… Next season, we go again!”
With talks set to resume, the Reds are banking on Konate’s commitment to their project under Arne Slot to fend off Real Madrid’s advances.
