Ibrahima Konate’s future at Liverpool is starting to raise eyebrows among fans and insiders alike.
The French defender, who has become a key part of the Reds’ backline, is now in the final year of his contract. Talks are reportedly ongoing, but no agreement has been reached yet. And that’s where the real tension begins.
According to journalist James Pearce, “There’s still no clarity with dialogue over an extension ongoing.”
He also added that sources close to Konate insist speculation in Spain about him having “already given his word to Real Madrid” is inaccurate. Still, the clock is ticking — and Liverpool supporters know too well how these stories can end.
Pearce added: “However, the longer it drags on, the more likely it is that this will be Konate’s final season at Liverpool.”
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Real Madrid watching closely — Liverpool hoping not to repeat history with Ibrahima Konate
The longer the talks drag on, the louder the whispers get. Real Madrid, who recently managed to lure Trent Alexander-Arnold away from Anfield, are said to be keeping an eye on Konate’s situation.
From January 1, the defender could legally sign a pre-contract with clubs overseas. That means Liverpool have only a few months to convince him to stay.
It’s a situation that feels a little too familiar. The Reds reportedly want to avoid another “Bernabeu raid” and are doing all they can to secure the 26-year-old’s future.
Spanish outlet Defensa Central claims Liverpool are confident of striking a deal, which has apparently pushed Madrid to explore other targets like Marc Guehi and Murillo.
But Konate’s recent form hasn’t made things easier. He’s had a stop-start campaign — a slow beginning, a few strong performances, and then another setback with a quad injury against Chelsea. Despite this, his market value still stands at an impressive £52.1 million — the highest among players whose contracts expire in 2026.
Liverpool reportedly have a contingency plan if things go south, with names like Guehi and former teammate Dayot Upamecano being considered. Still, replacing Konate’s mix of power, pace, and calmness would be no easy task.
Liverpool fans will be hoping this isn’t another case of déjà vu. For now, all eyes remain on the negotiation table — because losing Konate for free would hurt almost as much as conceding a stoppage-time goal at Anfield.
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