Konaté Contract Chaos: Liverpool Face Madrid Repeat Over Star Defender
Real Madrid Eyeing Another Liverpool Star
Liverpool’s contract wrangles with Ibrahima Konaté are beginning to follow a worrying pattern. According to Spanish outlet Marca, the French centre-back has now entered the final year of his Anfield deal – and Real Madrid are circling once again. Having already lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to the Spanish giants in similar circumstances, Liverpool appear determined not to be caught cold this time.
“Konate has rejected up to two offers from Liverpool to renew his contract,” Marca reports, citing the defender’s current weekly wage at £80,000 – a figure dwarfed by the £200,000 Konaté is allegedly seeking in basic pay.
Madrid’s Strategy Targets Another Free Transfer Coup
Marca makes no secret of Madrid’s long-standing interest in Konaté. Much like their successful pursuits of Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, and most recently Alexander-Arnold, the club’s recruitment department has reportedly been “working on Konate for months.” The goal: to swoop in with a pre-contract offer in January 2026, when such negotiations are legally allowed.
“Everything indicates that the Frenchman is for the job,” said Marca, implying Konaté is open to the move – although, crucially, the player himself has offered a different version of events.
Konaté’s Comments: “Completely Fake”
Back in May, Konaté appeared frustrated by the speculation. Speaking candidly to reporters, he said:
“Everything you saw on social media is completely fake… I didn’t even ask for something from the club. They made me an offer and I replied to them with something, that is it.”
The centre-back went on to say:
“I knew at one moment people would think I didn’t want to sign the contract, but I was never close to signing it. We will see what will happen.”
His comments, while denying immediate exit intentions, stopped short of affirming a future at Liverpool – a vague stance that continues to fuel speculation.
What Happens Next?
Liverpool’s decision-makers are reportedly weighing their options. Selling this summer would secure a transfer fee – unlike the Alexander-Arnold saga – but losing a centre-back of Konaté’s calibre would be a significant blow for Arne Slot.
Negotiations remain stalled, Madrid’s interest is real, and Konaté’s public and private postures remain mixed. With just months until he can legally talk to other clubs, Liverpool face a ticking clock.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
For Liverpool supporters, this is déjà vu. Watching Trent leave for Madrid on a cut-price deal was tough enough, but seeing another key player potentially slip away raises serious questions about contract management at the club.
From a fan perspective, there’s frustration that the club allowed Konaté’s contract to run so far down – especially knowing how aggressive Real Madrid are in targeting players entering the final year of their deals. The £80,000 wage figure seems outdated for a regular starter with top-level experience, and while £200,000 may feel steep, that’s the going rate for elite defenders in the modern market.
What complicates matters is Konaté’s own mixed messaging. On one hand, he’s dismissed reports and denied wanting to leave. On the other, he’s admitted that no real agreement has ever been close – leaving fans unsure where the truth lies.
Many Reds will feel this should’ve been sorted a year ago. Losing him now would not only weaken the backline but also signal that the club has yet to learn lessons from recent departures. With Arne Slot needing a stable spine to bed in his ideas, uncertainty around Konaté could become a major distraction.
The hope among fans is that Liverpool either reach a swift agreement on new terms – or extract a serious transfer fee while they still can. Another high-profile free transfer exit would be unacceptable.
