Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate has been heavily linked with Real Madrid.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are planning to renew contract negotiations with Ibrahima Konate as soon as possible, while the transfer specialist reveals Real Madrid’s admiration for the player – and what is now the defender’s biggest “priority”.
The French defender has formed a solid partnership with Virgil van Dijk in Liverpool’s defence, and their interplay was a key factor in Arne Slot’s side conceding just 41 goals in 38 games last season, when they won the Premier League.
Read: ‘Terrifying’ left winger ‘loves’ Liverpool and dreams of replacing Luis Diaz
But there is a real danger that Konate could disappear from Anfield, with a contract that has less than a year left – and Liverpool are keen to avoid a repeat of the situation that led to Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving the club as a free agent.
Real Madrid are fully aware of the 26-year-old’s situation, and with Xabi Alonso reportedly interested in strengthening his central defence, Konate has been linked with a move to the Bernabéu this summer.
But despite the fact that Liverpool have not yet been able to agree on a new deal with the player (after negotiations started already last autumn), all efforts are being made to find a solution and extend his stay.
Romano: ‘Liverpool are not closing the door on Konate sale'”
I can tell you that Liverpool are still not opening the doors to a move to Real Madrid this summer,” Romano said.
“What I can say is that Real Madrid really like the player – he is highly valued internally and it has been discussed among the management. But as of now, there are no bids for Liverpool, because they have not opened up for a sale. If they change their minds, we’ll see what Real Madrid do. But Liverpool still hope to reach a deal with Konate in the coming months.”
“They were close to an agreement in October-November, but then the situation changed between Konate and his agents. It has been a strange negotiation process with ups and downs. Now Liverpool are still hoping to convince him to stay, but Real Madrid are monitoring the situation closely.”
Konate’s future: Journalist reveals his plan
Spanish media have claimed that Konate has already said yes to Real Madrid and informed Liverpool that he will not extend his contract.
But journalist David Lynch, who specialises in Liverpool, insists that the player still prefers a new deal at Anfield – even though negotiations have “stalled”.
“There’s no doubt that Real Madrid are interested, but after talking to people close to Konate, I still think his priority is to extend with Liverpool,” Lynch said.
“I don’t think he has decided to go to Madrid yet. That doesn’t mean it can’t happen, because the opportunity is there, but we’re not at that point now. The player is not desperate to leave Liverpool or come to Real Madrid. But the club has to come up with an offer that appeals to him – and that hasn’t happened yet.”
Wage demands and rivals’ interest
Konate currently earns around £70,000 a week, a salary he signed when joining from RB Leipzig for £36 million in 2021. According to sources, he wants a new deal worth at least double, possibly up to £200,000 a week – a sum he believes he is worth after his success at Liverpool.
Rodrygo to Liverpool? Isak’s next goal?
At the same time, two sources have suggested that Liverpool could consider a Premier League winger if Luis Diaz leaves. Although the focus has been on Rodrygo, both Ian Doyle and Fraser Fletcher claim that a more “domestic” solution could be on the table – a player Jamie Carragher called “frightening”.
As for Rodrygo, Manchester United’s Casemiro has given Liverpool a taste of what they can expect from the Real Madrid star.
In addition, Slot has not given up on the idea of signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle, according to a reliable source – despite Liverpool having just confirmed the signing of Hugo Ekitike, which takes their total summer spending in excess of £268 million.
Read: Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino swaps desert country
