Liverpool’s poor run of form has hit a worrying low, and their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday has now sparked a major development regarding Ibrahima Konaté’s future at Anfield. After months of uncertainty surrounding his contract, which expires next summer, Liverpool appear to have softened their stance on keeping the 26-year-old, opening the door for a potential exit.
Konaté has attracted strong interest from Europe’s elite, with Real Madrid among the clubs considering signing him as a free agent. While Liverpool had initially been determined to secure a new deal for the defender, that commitment has gradually faded. The club is now believed to be preparing for life without him.
According to Football Insider, Mick Brown reports that Liverpool would be open to letting Konaté leave next summer, confident they can secure an upgrade. Concerns over his performances have been building for some time, and Manchester City exposed those flaws brutally on Sunday. City repeatedly allowed Liverpool to play the ball to Konaté before pressing aggressively, targeting his vulnerability under pressure—an approach that reflects how opponents view him.
As part of their succession planning, Liverpool have been linked with Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guéhi as a potential replacement should Konaté depart. The 24-year-old has impressed in the Premier League and is seen as a defender capable of offering greater composure, consistency and long-term value.
Liverpool believe suitable reinforcements are available in the market, meaning there is no panic at Anfield. If Konaté refuses to sign a new contract, the club will simply move on—whether he chooses Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, or another European giant.
As it stands, the situation remains fluid, but all signs increasingly point toward Konaté making his Anfield exit next summer, with Marc Guéhi emerging as a leading candidate to step into his place.
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