Real Madrid Reach Out to Liverpool After Final Decision on Ibrahima Konaté Transfer
Liverpool’s recent slump has fueled intense speculation about the futures of several key figures at the club.
The Reds have suffered nine defeats in their last 12 matches across all competitions, highlighted by a shocking 4-1 loss to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield midweek. Questions are now being raised about whether Arne Slot is truly the right man to lead the team forward, even after guiding them to the Premier League title just six months ago.
Several players have been linked with potential exits, but it appears one could remain at Anfield after a major suitor pulled out. Ibrahima Konaté, whose contract runs until June 2026, has been a notable name in the transfer gossip. The French defender’s form has dipped significantly since the title triumph, leading some fans to believe he may already be disengaged, despite Liverpool offering a contract extension.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Real Madrid have now stepped back from their pursuit of Konaté and have informed Liverpool that they have no plans to sign him in 2026, whether via a transfer fee or a free deal.
However, Konaté’s future at Liverpool remains uncertain. Talks over a new contract have yet to reach a conclusion, and from January 1, the 26-year-old will be able to negotiate with overseas clubs and potentially pre-agree a free transfer.
The 2024/25 season was largely overshadowed by contract sagas involving Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. While Van Dijk and Salah eventually signed new deals, Alexander-Arnold departed for Real Madrid on a free, with the club paying around €10m to accelerate the move—leaving many on Merseyside frustrated.
Liverpool cannot afford a repeat scenario. Losing Konaté, widely regarded as “world-class” and in his prime, would be a huge blow. Should clarity on his future not arrive soon, a January exit could be the pragmatic solution to secure a fee and allow time to find a suitable replacement.