Konate edges closer to Real Madrid switch as Liverpool contract talks collapse
Liverpool face another defensive dilemma as Ibrahima Konate looks increasingly likely to leave Anfield, with Real Madrid now emerging as his preferred destination. The France international, whose current deal expires in 2026, has reportedly informed the club that he will not be signing a new contract.
Contract uncertainty deepens defensive strain
Arne Slot’s side have already struggled with a lack of depth at centre-back following an unsettled summer. Liverpool’s failed pursuit of Marc Guehi on deadline day, coupled with Jarell Quansah’s departure and Giovanni Leoni’s untimely long-term injury, has left the Premier League champions short of options.
That shortage has placed significant strain on the defensive core — Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Konate — with the latter’s contract standoff now a major concern for sporting director Richard Hughes. Sources close to the situation suggest that while Liverpool have made efforts to extend his stay, Konate has communicated a clear reluctance to commit beyond 2026.
Real Madrid prepare their move
According to reports from Spain, the 26-year-old defender has been in discreet contact with Real Madrid over a possible move next year. It is understood that negotiations are expected to begin formally in January, when Konate becomes eligible to discuss terms with clubs outside England.
The Madrid hierarchy view Konate as a long-term solution in central defence, with his blend of pace, composure and aerial strength aligning well with the club’s evolving back-line strategy. Madrid have also been monitoring potential defensive reinforcements following injuries and uncertainty surrounding some of their senior players.
A Madrid-based outlet claims that “Konate has already confirmed to Liverpool that he will not renew his contract. His desire is to join Real Madrid, and talks have already taken place through intermediaries.” While the financial structure of the deal has not yet been finalised, Madrid are reportedly confident of reaching an agreement once formal discussions open in the new year.
Liverpool weigh their next move
For Liverpool, the situation presents both a tactical and strategic challenge. Losing a player of Konate’s quality in his prime years could force the club into another defensive rebuild under Slot. While the Frenchman’s injury record has caused some concern, his partnership with Van Dijk was key during last season’s title-winning campaign.
Hughes and his recruitment team are understood to have already begun drawing up contingency plans. Nico Schlotterbeck, Ronald Araujo and Jan Paul van Hecke are among those being considered as potential replacements should Konate’s departure materialise. Each profile fits the club’s criteria for a high-tempo, ball-playing centre-back capable of thriving in Slot’s system.
Contract demands and future outlook
Konate, signed from RB Leipzig in 2021 for around £35 million, is reportedly seeking a salary in the region of £200,000 per week — a figure Liverpool have so far been unwilling to meet. While such terms would make him one of the highest earners at the club, Madrid are believed to be more open to accommodating his wage expectations, especially given his age and pedigree.
For now, Liverpool remain hopeful that the situation can be managed without major disruption to the squad. However, with Madrid’s interest growing and Konate’s stance firm, it increasingly appears that the Frenchman’s time on Merseyside may be drawing to a close.
As one senior figure close to the negotiations put it, “Liverpool will not stand in his way if he decides to move — but they will ensure it’s on their terms.”
Whether those terms are met by Real Madrid could define the next major defensive chapter in Liverpool’s evolving project under Arne Slot.
