Bayern Munich have opened lines of communication with the representatives of Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté, according to the original report from Get Football News Germany that states Bayern are “in contact with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté’s entourage over a potential transfer.” The interest is serious and rooted in strategic planning, with the German giants exploring whether they can bring the former RB Leipzig centre-back back to the Bundesliga on a free. With Marc Guéhi also monitored and Dayot Upamecano still in talks over a new deal, this situation is shaping the early narrative of the 2026 market.

Contract Countdown Shifts Market Dynamics

What stands out from the report is the tight timing. Guéhi, Konaté and Upamecano are all in the final year of their contracts. The article notes that all three “sit on contracts set to expire at the end of the current season,” which means the January window will be pivotal. Once that period opens, each defender can formally discuss free transfers with overseas clubs for summer moves. Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Bayern all face the same question, which is whether to sell for a fee or risk losing a valuable defender for nothing.

The valuations highlight the scale of the issue. Upamecano at 60 million euros, Konaté at 55 million euros and Guéhi at 50 million euros are described as “the three most valuable footballers in the world sitting on expiring contracts.” For Liverpool, that is an especially delicate situation given Konaté’s importance in high level fixtures and the lack of depth in the squad’s experienced centre-back pool.

Bayern’s Calculated Approach

Bayern appear focused on clarity over Upamecano before making a final decision. The original article reports that Bayern “remain in negotiations with Upamecano’s camp over a potential extension,” and that if they manage to secure his future, they may not pursue a new centre-back. Yet the prospect of pairing him again with his compatriot remains appealing. “A potential central defensive pairing of Upamecano and Konaté might still prove attractive,” the report states, and Bayern know Konaté’s Bundesliga pedigree well.

Liverpool Implications

Konaté’s recent form only sharpens the matter. The article notes that “the Liverpool man recently sparkled during a return trip to Germany to take on Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.” Performances like that will encourage interest from multiple clubs and make Liverpool’s contract position more precarious. The timing, the valuations and Bayern’s interest combine to create a scenario that Liverpool would rather avoid, especially in a season shaped by squad evolution.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool perspective, this development is concerning and will certainly raise alarms among supporters. Konaté remains one of the most naturally gifted defenders in the squad, and although his availability record has fluctuated, his peak level fits perfectly with what Arne Slot has built since taking over. Losing him on a free would be a significant setback, both financially and structurally.

Fans will question why the contract situation has been allowed to reach this stage. Liverpool have historically been proactive with renewals, particularly for players in their prime years. Given that Konaté is still only in his mid twenties and already proven in the Premier League and Champions League, allowing him to reach the final months of his deal without resolution feels risky.

Bayern’s interest is logical and unsettling. The appeal of returning to Germany, linking up with familiar teammates and playing under a club with strong competitive expectations could influence the player. Supporters will also recall previous instances where Liverpool lost influential players after hesitations in contract planning, and this situation carries echoes of those scenarios.

In short, Liverpool must act. Either secure a new long term contract or prepare strategically for a controlled sale in January. Letting a 55 million euro rated centre-back leave for nothing would undermine recent progress under Slot, especially just one season after lifting the Premier League title.